I see this has turned into a theoretical thread, but I will respond to the initial question.

Back in the 70's I rarely used the front brake at all. It was a feeling among us youngsters that it would too easily lead to going over the handlebar. In fact, at one point I had dual hand brakes hooked to the back wheel so I could stop the steel rim, even in in the rain.

Now, I tend to ride a lot of gravel and crushed stone, so I use both brakes... If stopping fast, I feel I have been successful at being near maximum braking when the rear wheel skids. I am not very coordinated, so I wouldn't be comfortable actually lifting the rear wheel, or skidding the front. I suspect I would skid the front wheel before lifting because of the surface, and the fact that I weigh a lot, and carry about 20 pounds of stuff between a seat pack and trunk bag.

I am impressed by riders who can lift the rear wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle in a controlled way... but, I am impressed by many things I will never try.