Best post I've read in months. Thanks for sharing your experience. I am much more comfortable with the wing down technique for the reasons you cite. In a gusty crosswind, it's easier for me to gauge the effects of my aileron and rudder inputs in response to changes in the wind. Trying to do that while kicking out a crab and flaring adds one more variable to compensate for when a gust catches the tail or upwind wing.
Since I don't see myself flying a 747 or A340 in this millenia, perhaps continuing to use the wing down technique will keep me from bending any airplanes. I know at least one crusty backcountry pilot who vehemently disagrees with my technique, so your post will provide me some fodder for hangar flying debates.
Dave