Anyone have knowledge on the design of tubular-to-tubular joint connections?

I received comments from 3rd party checker that for complex tubular joints they have doubt that prescribed formulas in API codes may be unable to handle the situation correctly or accurately and that the best approach is to carry out a finite element analysis.

Are tubular joint connections to be checked using finite element analysis instead of the standard design programs (such as SACS, StaadPro) utilizing API code equations?