Disadvantages of energy variational principles in the finite element method are considered. In the case when the distribution function of a higher order, additional nodal forces appear, which are not a consequence of the crossing forces ($\Delta K_1$). The energy approach also includes quantities with different physical values ($\Delta K_2$ - “parasitic stresses”). These influences are the main reason that elements of a higher order or irregular shape give unsatisfactory results. All these shortcomings are successfully rejected by using the direct method of development finite elements.