I suppose I'm a bit anal then ! - I use clutch less changes because, when done properly, they're quicker, slicker, smoother and easier on the engine and clutch. BUT, to do them properly (especially down-changes) takes care, skill and precision in matching RPM's, as well as good hand to foot coordination, that most riders don't have the patience or ability to do.
I take it as a challenge to get this right. The smoother and slicker I can be, to my mind, the better rider I become.
Its certainly a useful skill to learn & helps develop hand/foot/brain co-ordination, the bike becoming an extension of the riders brain/will.
The other way to achieve smooth controlled down changes is to "blip" throttle when downchanging to match engine speed to road speed for the lower gear selected. A smooth rider is generally a faster one.
Engine braking is simply the drive train working against the compression of the engine which is useful on long descents to avoid brake fade(overheating)
There is no hard & fast rule for all road situations-its down to practice & experience.
