This split is due to the difference between Solomonic methods, such as those taught by the Golden Dawn using Kabbalistic methods, and modern magick such that that practiced by E.A.Koetting.
Modern ceremonial magick is still influenced by Solomonic ideas but the circle becomes not a protection, but a way to put the focus on you the practitioner so you’re easier to communicate with.
A third concept is that found in the religion of Demonolatry, which reveres the entities and even considers protective circles to be “offensive”.
In the end, it’s worth trying things in all ways and finding out what works best for you. Everyone is different with different energy, backgrounds and worldviews, and we can’t always predict how the energetic flows will play out, so, what works for one doesn’t work for all. There is no “correct way”, there is only what works for others, and no shortcuts: you have to find out what works for you by doing it.