Although not documented properly for NotesURLs, various references exist showing that it and DocLinks and other similar direct-link commands (@Command([FileOpenDBRepID])) effectively ignore any Server Hint provided, and use instead the workspace icon.
In the case of NotesURL, the server hint is _entirely_ ignored (based on a recent support inquiry).
For the @Command, and Notes Data Links and database links, the server hint will eventually be used -- if the database is not found on the workspace or in the directory (if available).
References:
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/doclinks-access-only-server-located-top-db-icon-stack-notes-workspace
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/how-does-notes-determine-which-replica-use-commandfileopendbrepid-or-database-link
So, with that introduction past, my recommendation is that the server hint, supplied by the developer as a first-order directive, should be used first in effectively all of the above situations. Especially in the case of NotesURL, as is entirely ignored when using ReplicaIDs (it is used only when a DB file path is provided) -- this is quite unhelpful.
Having failover to use the workspace icon makes sense, or any other appropriate failover (directory, for instance), but only after attempting to open the database using the provided server.
This is confusing for non-IT end users.
Related to my idea "Location document - option to force use of a preferred server when opening DBs / links"
https://domino-ideas.hcltechsw.com/ideas/NTS-I-640
Referencing the following SPRs:
KNNE4GKCPA - Clicking on doclink open doc not on the hint server but on another server
YHAI6G7GDV - When opening a Doclink, an unexpected server is used to search a replica
JMEAARVVRM - Application Link/Noteslink Not Opening In Correct Server Indicated In The Link
I think it is good to use the preferences from the workspace first!