I believe this entire conversation is about 3x3, though I may be wrong.
Unless a scrambling program is written to not use a move, or to only use some of the moves. (ex. only R R' L L' U U' D D' F F')
It will use all six sides. though it may not be every single scramble. To properly scramble a 3x3, I believe a minimum of 4 sides need to be turn, use both sides of two axis. In order to scramble, otherwise pieces will remain solved.
The WCA creates a random state on Cube Explorer. They use Cube Explorer to optimally solve it, then invert the solution. The inverted solution applied to a solved cube while scramble a cube to the random state. Therefore, if an optimal solution only uses 3 sides or less, the scramble will only use 3 sides. No idea where you got 4 sides.
and on your comment earlier, its a forum not an english class.
You don't have to use proper english, but I would hate for something portraying my ideas or opinions to look unprofessional. It also detracts from the overall forum quality.
moving on, what is a good method for 4x4 centers besides one at a time?
youtube tutorial link? possibly the same method faz uses. he is insane
If you mean do mean centres, and not edges, one at a time is the only way to go. You can do 2 opposite centres, then solve the other four. You can do the bottom centre, the E layer centres, and then the top centre in a layer-by-layer-like approach. Or you can do it freestyle and just solve whichever centre order is easiest.
and like how you solve the cross in your head during inspection, how many centers should be solved in your head before the solve starts?
It really depends on the scramble. I try to build the first one while setting up my second centre, so I usually do that much. If it's an easy scramble maybe I'll go for more, but probably not since it's pretty easy to look ahead in centres.