Definately. I would never knock a rider for riding a sp. Heck does anyone in the top 5 wc ride a multpivot bike? Once you get a feel for it (and don't use the brakes as much as other riders) you won't experience the side affects.
Oh and it was cedric I was referring to up above. Following (or really trying to) down a couple of whistler trails really showed a) how little a good pro uses his brakes and B) how perfect their timing is so they don't loose any speed when braking.