12 strand and the brummel splice

[Brion Toss]

Hi there,
I have no idea what the context or nature of that quote was, but I'm having a hard time thinking why I'd call any kind of Brummel "temporary". Let's start with definitions, and maybe it'll all clear up.
An "S" Brummel is one in which the end simply slaloms back and forth through the standing part. It is a good friction-inducer, and an acceptable substitute for the real thing, in circumstances where you can't do the real thing. It won't lock, though.
A standard Brummel has the end and standing part going through each other, one time each.
This form locks, and therefore can't possibly pull out. It is made by passing the respective ends. With a long rope, passing the standing part end can be time-consuming, and in some applications it is impossible.
That's why we have what I call the "Mobius Brummel", in which the locking form is made using only one end. The McDonald Brummel is a recently-evolved version of this, that allows multiple locked Brummels to be formed; the original version, for obscure topological reasons, only allows one.
An "S" Brummel, even one with multiple passes, should only be a preface to a bury of the tail. It is not meant to stand alone. Rather, it provides initial, low-load security, until the splice can compress on itself.
A true Brummel, made by whatever means, accomplishes the same thing, though in a failsafe kind of way.
The McDonald Brummel done multiple times, offers the option of a stand-alone terminal, with no need for a bury, though at the price of some loss of strength. You can accomplish the same thing by multiple passes with both ends.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss