What should be the primary consideration regarding the manufacturer's recommendations when sectioning panels?

The primary consideration when sectioning panels should indeed focus on the structural integrity of the repair. Adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations is crucial for ensuring that the vehicle’s safety and performance are not compromised during the repair process. These recommendations are designed to maintain the vehicle's original structural framework and to ensure that any repaired areas can withstand the stresses they will encounter during normal operation.

By focusing on structural integrity, technicians can ensure that repairs do not introduce weaknesses that could lead to failures in the future. This is particularly critical because improper sectioning may lead to misalignments, reduced crashworthiness, or other safety issues. Maintaining the manufacturer's specified bonding techniques and material types helps preserve the overall stability and durability of the vehicle after repairs.

While cost, safety standards, and time efficiency are important factors in the repair process, they are secondary to ensuring that the vehicle remains structurally sound as per the original design. Neglecting structural integrity for the sake of cost reduction or time-saving could compromise the effectiveness of the repair and ultimately affect the vehicle's safety performance.