Both ways are very wasteful on water compared to just putting a plug in the sink.
Or getting a dishwasher. ;)
And the dishwasher's not only less wasteful of water, it takes less time and effort. :-)
I am a bachelor, I am lazy - use paper plates & plastic cutlery... just kidding 8-)
Heh, I wash the dishes the exact same way as you...unless there are only like 1 or 2 dishes at which point it's just run the water over it and scrub it down.
Your wife's method just seems totally elongated...I would never spend that much time doing the dishes. Tell her that what you waste in water, you make in time. ;)
Sounds like someone has been spending too much time on the Dining Philosopher's problem!