I don't think this is really a Transatlantic difference, I know plenty of instructors in the UK who use wing down - though they are probably mostly 'old school'. I think most pilots with experience use a bit of a combined technique anyway (but don't normaly teach it that way. I tend to show both and see which the student is happiest with - unless it is tailwheel, when I would definitely go with wing down.
As far as the S.E. twin, short runway etc. goes - that is when having plenty of diversion fuel comes in handy - go somewhere else! (if you are really STUCK with it THEN use crab)
