Well then, why even bother riding fixed? I mean, either you take advantage of the opportunity to control your speed by applying back pressure now and then (even through it's easier and more effective to use a brake) or you might as well just be riding a single-speed.

Me? I skid because it's more fun, even though I have a brake for safety's sake. I dunno, I know that skidding around in traffic and blah blah blah isn't the most practical or efficient way to do anything, but I haven't given up on the idea that my bike can be my transportation and my favorite toy.