Brakeless in Seattle scares the bleep out of me. A "close call" in my mind is very very bad thing.

That said, I was scared riding brakeless in Seattle on a 47/17, wasn't hard to skid on hills once I figured out that you really have to lean over the front even though it seems like you're going to fall off the edge of the world when going down steep hills, you won't, and it will let you lock up the back tire very very easily no matter the gear. Then ease your weight back as much as you need to increase the stopping power. Also, the sideways back wheel type skids are easier and have more braking power when done right.