I am 100% for using cyclic friction, esp. in the R44. Repeating what FH1000 said, in slightly bumpy air, the cyclic will move quite a bit, no matter how much the pilot tries to keep it still.
The way I apply cyclic friction is this: takeoff without friction, then after takeoff, move the cyclic slightly fore and aft (about an inch or so) while applying cyclic friction to the point where the resistance feels comfortable. Cyclic friction is of course, adjustable, there is not just 'on' and 'off'. I like to fly with quite a bit of friction, it does not impede my controlability of the helicopter at all. It makes flying in turbulence a lot more comfortable.
When using the friction, there should simply be an increase in the resistance when applying cyclic input, but there is no apparent 'break' force to move the cyclic.
Sometimes I land with the cyclic friction on, it feels only slightly different.
Even when flying the AS350, I like to use some cyclic friction on that ship to stabalize the cyclic.
All this not because I cannot control the cyclic, but again, with very sensitive hydraulic controls, it only takes a tiny amount of pressure to move the cyclic, and any movement that is not nessasary is a waste.