I think a combination of both is possible like seen in Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha.
Yes they use the Intelligent Devices but from what I understood Intelligent Devices only amplifies a beings Linker Core and makes it easier to control. As seen when Nanoha was training in one of the first episodes of A's she entirely manifested and controlled her Divine Shooter completely alone whilst Raging Heart was only counting the hits. There is no evidence that Raging Heart provided any support from my memory. I could be wrong so don't quote me here, it's been a while since I watched it.
Another situation was in the first Season where Nanoha and Fate had their first real battle and both, Raging Heart and Bardiche, where pretty damaged and Fate ran off and sealed the Jewel Seed with her bare hands.