Hi WTW, I was also taught to raise flaps first and went on to teach others the same as an instructor for all the good reasons laid out above(I'd suggest this applies to all a/c not just pa-28). Interestingly when i did my ag rating the Chief pilot insisted on power first (in c180!!!) then bleed off flap as a/c accelerates. This certainly gets you airborne quickly but power application must be progressive and be prepared for heavy pitch forces as a/c is configured and trimmed for landing.Definately not for inexperienced pilots and only useful for avoiding something straying onto your runway.