For large sets I sort out the different types of parts, usually keeping pins, connectors and the small stuff in a pile, but for smaller sets I don't mind having everything in a single pile.
I like to be organized, at least above a certain size of sets.
I do agree with the guy with the "impossible build" avatar ( ) - it irks me when they do pics of loose parts laying around all mixed, panels with pins and connectors between them, some trays with mostly small parts and for some reason a few large parts casually placed among them. It does irritate me to some degree. But maybe that's the point, it makes people talk and gives the set attention, in one way or another.