NiteKos, it’s my own preference, but company SOPs don’t prohibit it.
jetset, I’d take issue with you that I’m ‘dumbing down’ the operation in using VS mode. I’d say that what I’m doing is quite the opposite. The pax aren’t disturbed by a change in engine pitch, I’m probably saving a nanofart of fuel in not increasing RPM quite as much as a VNAV climb, and (far more importantly) I’m using a procedure every time (unless I’m asked to expedite the climb) that will ensure I won’t be responsible for some poor sod having to carry out a TCAS avoidance manoeuvre.
I take it from your lack of understanding of the term “open climb” that you’re not an airline pilot.