TonyR,
Ah OK. I must admit that I only crab in a crosswind but will use crossed controls at takeoff to prevent wind-cocking. Doesn't result in sideslip though.
Why do most people fly their final approach 20 knots faster than necessary?
Can't speak for anybody else, but I have only ever flown according to the POH. For the AA5 that is around about the CAA recommended 1.3 x Stall speed. The C152 POH does have about a 5 knot margin over that which does seem a touch excessive. Not sure why, haven't asked. But it maybe due to its profile drag that slows the a/c quickly once you cut the power for flare. Must ask my instructor.
Since writing this half truth I went back to the text. The 1.3 x stall is for Vat across the threshold and not for the approach speed. It appears that POHs diverge here as the AA5 Vat is 10kts more than stall with full flap. Also, it would be induced drag and not profile that would be dominant below Vimd (in theory).