i use my 020's chain brake all the time. i set myself up to make cuts all around me sometimes, and especially engage the brake as the running saw whips by lines etc. to cut on the other side of me. When i one hand the running saw climbing, i might shove or pull the brake lever/actuator against a stick or under a log; as if my other hand was there for at least that purpose.
3 step rule sounds like a good start on the ground, sometimes i guess i engage it (especially larger bars) before taking a step or just pivoting quickly to the next cut.
i think the more power the saw has, the more it can take against ye. The longer the bar, the more leveraged that power can get further against you. The closer your hands, the less leverage of control over all that that you have.
i think select fire is more proffessional, safer; the brake easy to use. Sometimes, could really argue that being comfy with it can be more produdctive. If noone is supposed to be around, you are watching and sure, and chain brake is on,off,on,off,on...... you can very confidentally whip around etc. IMLHO
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