When I first started my PPL in a 152 out of a grass airfield I was taught when lined up on the runway for departure to position the control yoke so that I could lay 3 fingers flat between the hole the control lock goes through and where the column emerged from the instrument panel.
The effect of this was twofold:
1) It protected the nosewheel on the undulations of the grass whilst preventing 'wheelbarrowing';
2) The aircraft would gently fly itself off the runway at about 60-65 kts and climb at 65 kts.
In the early days it was most useful when I had enough to think about anyway. I would probably still use it if I instructed out of a grass airfield.
The same people who are objecting to the finger method are those who I suppose will disagree with using the 'rivets along the cowling' method of overcoming offset seating effect when teaching turning.
The point is that anything we as instructors can use to help others readily grasp what we're driving at has got to be good. What works for some might not for others, that's the interest in teaching! It is just one of many tools in the bag. If, as has been said already, your toolbag only has one tool in it, then you need to examine what you are doing.