2002 NEC 210.11(C)(1) says there must be at least two small appliance circuits, but does not suggest how they must be split.
2002 NEC 210.52 (B)& (C) don't offer much help either, only for their locations...
However, 210.11 (B) pretty much insists that branch circuit loads be as balanced as possible.
I've been in the habit of alternating them as much as possible, and I usually give three circuits for a kitchen, excluding range, and other dedicated stuff...
Given the two choices, your technique would be the most correct.
[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 03-14-2002).]
