Which has a secondary effect of acting as a decent speedbrake reducing brake wear
Well, yes and no.
It doesn't do anything for brake wear during take-off
but does help on the landing roll.
The other benefit of course is that it puts most of the weight of the aircraft on the main wheels allowing the brakes to work more effectively (if you want to use them, that is) thus reducing tyre wear.. ie less chance of flat-spotting.
The reduction of shimmy commencement is an added bonus.
The reverse is true for the tail wheel machines of course, where judicious FORWARD pressure on the stick after landing can actually improve braking and in turn reduce the tendency to shimmy.
Too much will result in even better braking by tipping the aircraft on it's nose. Except in 180/185's where I've seen Ag pilots stand on the brakes with the tail up AND forward stick to keep it there. Definately no chance of shimmy there
