I feel the loss of ability to lock my rear wheel when needed would make my bike less safe. I know I would have crashed at least 3 times if I was not able to do so. There is no substitute for experience.In the cases I am thinking of an object came into my path unexpectedly and I could never have stopped in time so I locked the rear wheel and slid sideways and then released t9o go off in another direction to avoid the object.

I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!