Grp,
Trims would be checked as part of the initial acceptance scan. If you then back that up by reading a checklist that double checks the important items that's perfectly fine...like I said whatever works for you.
I have not advocated 'don't use checklists'... very, very far from it...but there are various types of checklists that all have uses...I use all of them, pneumonic, written, electronic, mechanical and 'dirty ditty'
.
When I find out where I can buy a SAFGO type checklist for my Bonanza I'll fit it...along with tailored checks that back up my scans and double check the important items only.
In the world of professional aviation the park brake gets set as soon as you come to a halt...no matter what...to do otherwise would warrant a slap on the wrist (at least) on a line check...an exception would be on a turn around where once the chocks go in you would release the park brake to minimise heat transfer to the wheels to try and cool the brakes as much as possible before the next departure...hardly an issue in a C172.
Hugely long written checklists for Cessna and Piper type SE aircraft have evolved only because of product liability...i.e. the aircraft manufacturers need a way of getting out of rediculous lawsuits...if you've been around aviation long enough you would have noticed how pilots handling books for Cessnas etc are about 3 times as thick as they were 20+ years ago, for the same reason.
My 'checklist system' is a result of bush, airline and corporate experience. I've applied what I've learnt from each to what I do when I'm just flying for fun...it's kept me out of trouble for 10000+ hours...if that's not the test of time I don't know what is.
Chuck.