First - no fight - please. Just different POVs.

We are actually close on the ing words - not sure you read my entire post. I said basically to use for ongoing activity:

Quoted Text e.g., Dave kicks the ball against the wall - to me implies one kick Dave is kicking the ball against the wall - to me implies an ongoing actitvity. Number one rule is that if it is clear - you are probably okay

So if in our mind the writer wants us to envision the dude standing there enjoying a cigarette than - a man leans against a car smoking a cigarette  - is perfectly okay in my book. If it is just a moment, I think a man leans against a a car, smokes a cigarette - is better. But as I stated - in all cases the utmost criteria is clarity - regardless of the use on ing words.


We generally agree I think. The only real difference is you think a man stands, smokes a cigarette - is awkward while I think it is perfectly fine.  

P.S - I am an amateur as well, so really have no idea what a pro would say

You've both helped a lot, thank you very much!