I find the crabbed approach followed by transition to wing down in the flare works very well for me in the Bellanca Scout towplane right up to the cross-wind limits (15 kt).
I also use the same method in 172, although Genghis comments about lateral stability and pitch changes have got me thinking. I'll have to have a look at that next time I fly a 172.
I agree with others comments that the wing down approach is not comfortable for passengers.