Agree that at times a simple mnemonic (note the spelling!) is all that's required. In the not so distant past where I was working as a Glider Tug Pilot the number of launches I had to do and the frequency thereof would have made reference to a printed checklist somewhat impractical. (Most ever was 55 launches in one day)
However, when a printed checklist is available most often it is Company procedure to use it. Actually I think
DirectAnywhere said it best in his last paragraph!
You only live twice. Once when
you're born. Once when
you've looked death in the face.