I think 90% of pool players are more comfortable using outside English.
For me, here is a rule I try to follow. If the cue ball is more than 4/5ft from the object ball, I try not to use very much English at all. It does no good to get that perfect shape if the English makes you miss the shot.
Ok, lets say the cue ball is only 3ft from the object ball. You know where you want to get for perfect shape on your next shot.....which English gets you there easier?
Other factors on which English you use may be the layout of the table, are other balls in the way of using outside or inside English? If so, you need to adjust and use what you need.
To play this game at a high level, you need to have both sets of English in your arsenal. This will separate the players from the bangers.
I don't think distance has anything to do with the use of english at all. I mean you still have to get the correct shape on your next ball regardless of distance. If you don't feel you can get shape because use of english will cause a problem then simply play safe. Makes it awful difficult getting through a rack though.