We can understand as GIMP has so many options, and for sure there is some/many filters I don't know all the in and out as well, thus don't feel alone 
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in all case, how to say it? for this very filter, by default I'm on sinusoidal (in my preferences all my filters stay on my last use, which I do not recommend if a beginner reads me), I think the effect is more "pronounced" without the "linear" downside, if I can say it that way , anyway (yeah I know > one more time), it's all about personal preferences and the map we did, and whatsoever personal view of the project 
, in all case, how to say it? for this very filter, by default I'm on sinusoidal (in my preferences all my filters stay on my last use, which I do not recommend if a beginner reads me), I think the effect is more "pronounced" without the "linear" downside, if I can say it that way
, anyway (yeah I know > one more time), it's all about personal preferences and the map we did, and whatsoever personal view of the project