How to set up stage gain and clipping levels

[xk49w]

What is the order in which stages normally clip? Should I expect this to proceed from output to input progressively as drive is increased?

For instance, I could set it up so that with the output stage overdriven 10% the PI could begin to clip to prevent drawing grid excessive grid current. Is this desirable arrangement?

What about if it was set up so that no hard clipping occurred in the output stage, maybe just compression. What is the effect on harmonic content?

Any insights into how the gain distribution and clipping thresholds affects sound?

TIA,

-- Bradley