I was reading an article earlier today, now lost thanks to the miracle of modern forgetfullness (didn't bookmark the thing), but this codger was saying that few people actually apply much upwards pressure on the pedals, even when pedalling in circles - it's more a case that they are getting the foot out of the way of the rising pedal. Suits me.
Yes, my technique is different now to what it was before, but only because I'm finding out more now. I used to ride at a decent cadence and try to maintain it using the gears.
Richard