HFD & MJ - thanks very much for the constant aspect comments. The last 1000' of the PFL is usually not taught well in this country, and the SLA technique is not generally used, hence my interest.
Regarding whether to lower the gear at all on a PFL - undercarriage assemblies are among the strongest parts of the aircraft, and will absorb huge G and deceleration forces during the landing roll.
Accident reports that I've read seem to indicate that it's best to put the gear down and use it as a cushion between you and 'terra firma' (or 'sudden stoppa') in the event of a poorly judged landing.
The RAF in particular has some stories of aircraft driving the main gear through the wings of trainers on landing. Imagine the injuries if the gear wasn't there to absorb that impact!
Even in soft ground, if a modern aircraft lands near Vs0 with wings level, it is unlikely to somersault. That's not to say the nosewheel won't collapse of course! (In NZ we've had several ditching incidents involving PA28's and C172's where the aircraft remained upright during the ditching.)
Cheers,
O8