I don't believe I've ever had to use the accelerator to get out of trouble. Then again, I can't recall the last time I had a close call either.
I believe the main concerns against engine-off coasting are:
1) the loss of power assist in cars equipped with power steering. Of course we all know you can still steer, but steering effort can increase dramatically depending on the system's design.
2) potentially overheating the brakes on a long descent (where engine braking could take some load off the braking system)
3) potential loss of vacuum assist in cars with power brakes (I've recently been in two older vehicles whose brake vacuum "leaks" away, even with no pedal application. My car seems to hold a reserve for a long time after the engine has been shut off). And of course we all know you can still brake without vacuum assist, but the pedal effort can go up a lot, depending on the car.
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