[MetroMPG]

I disagree that a car in neutral is necessarily "out of control". If I need power or engine braking, I shift. I don't see the problem. I remain in control.

I'm not 100% sure where that old "neutral = out of control" warning came from. I come across it once in a while.

I suspect it dates back to the days when vehicles had relatively poor friction brakes and applying (riding) them during a long descent while in neutral (ie. minus engine braking) could have led to braking loss due to fade or boiling the brake fluid.