QDM
Manufacturers checklists are not a load of tosh, but some of the third party versions for PA28s etc give you the full 747 experience ... e.g. tasks such as checking the full and free movement of the trim wheel are duplicated or even triplicated! This gives checklists bad name generally.
The really important thing to understand is the difference between systems and procedures between individual types and this comes from the POH and the associated checklist.
I will give you a very simple instance of this. Take a Pup or a Bulldog fly it using a PA28 checklist. It is very similar apart from some crucial details.
If you inadvertently fly a tank dry by following the PA28 procedures on flying on Left or Right rather than Both, you may need to use the starter motor.
Carb heat on (Pup), Master on, Mags on, Fuel on other tank, Fuel pump on etc ... Hit the start button and nothing happens.
Why? Because the Pups and Bulldogs have a quirk - a starter master switch that needs to be selected on too.
This has caused at least one aircraft I know to be force landed (safely) as during considerable stress the pilot regressed to prior PA28 experience and performed all the emergency checks impeccably save the master start switch, which isolates the starter motor.
I know my checklists from memory, although I tend to follw the list through on the ground as it does no harm.
However the main point QDM is to know the differences between types and sub types and always to remember which one you are in at the time!
I'd rather rely on a thorough knowledge of the procedures for each type I fly than on Bacon Saver AOA devices!!!!