MIKECR,
C172 and PA28 landings are as you say a piece of cake, but totally different. PA28 floats more due to the low wing and ground effect. C172 with it's massive flaps40 has a much larger pitch change in the flare.
As a C172 (Model C!) driver, I try to reserve flaps40 for when I'm over the fence and committed to landing, when it will lower the touchdown speed and lengthen the life of the tyres. Of course if one is a tadge high on approach then flaps40 is very useful, but once it's on avoid taking it off again until you're safely down. You're then dependant on throttle alone to maintain glideslope.
And of course flaps40 is a no-no in anything approaching a reasonable x-wind.