I'm not in favor of adding unused code to my program just because other people may be used to it. I'm also opposed to adding half of a feature, especially if it doesn't work. Why muddy the intent of the code for no benefit?

Of all the people I've seen using this construct, only one could explain what it does. I'm leery of taking advice from people who don't know what they're doing or why it might be done.

I'm also unrepentently preaching a style. "Write only what you need."