JC,
Thanks for the reminder of what the FCTM says. In my copy the operative words are "in the case of very strong crosswinds" and "may" which in my view does not indicate that the technique should be applied routinely in light crosswinds which is the point I was making. Just above that it says that "during the flare the rudder should be applied to align the aircraft with the runway heading". Perhaps I should have been more specific.
TP,
Of course, you are right. Just my colourful language. It's just that "smoothly applying the rudder to align the aircraft with the runway" is such a mouthful to get out when one is demonstrating and pattering in the simulator.