I have always looked on flying as a building block mentality - A,B,C,D. Standard routine. Once you come away from that, other variables can distract. It is like the standard approach, to an unfamiliar airfield, where until you are familiar with it, it is better to do a standard overhead join. This has been the discussion point in many threads
Checklists are part of the 'routine'. Why not use them? I also feel it is very much type dependent, but when you are flying multiple types. then I think they should be used continually. It is good practice.
There have been some interesting comments on this thread like:-
It's perfectly fine to not use a check list as a PPL. I usually use it on the ground only but I know everything from memory and let's face it, a C172 isn't rocket science
Well if thats the way you wish to fly, feel free.