To me, part of riding a fixed gear is understanding and committing to what it is, not something you can switch on and off. If you want to coast then stick to a freewheel. As for you analogy, I have no idea what you're talking about. Feeling like you screwed yourself by heading out brakeless? Kidding aside, I get it but I don't agree. Brakes are one thing, fixed/free is something else.