I think we could possibly use a comparison with driving a car to help think about this. When I get in the car to drive to the airfield I don't use a checklist at any point. I have had the same car for awhile, I am familiar with its rather simple systems, and don't feel the need of a checklist. I do, as a matter of common sense, check the oil, make sure I have fuel in the tank, and that the windscreen is clean.
Then I pull the cub out of the hangar and do much the same. I don't require a checklist to remind me to shut the door and put on a seatbelt any more than I do with my car. I will then go round the inside of the aircraft in a logical sequence, based on the layout of the aircraft.
Now, suppose I hire a car that I am not familiar with. I will learn the differences between that and my own car, and make a systematic check round the cabin before I move off. With an unfamiliar but still simple aircraft I might well use a paper checklist to help with this procedure. However, I will still work on a logical and methodical flow check first and then CHECK that I haven't forgotten anything before moving off. In other words I am using a checklist, not a DO list.
With more complex types the DO list might well be needed. This can be, for example, a particular starting procedure outside the scope of a simple memnonic.
In the air or on the road I would rather keep my attention outside. The pre landing check is rather simple for most aircraft and can be done from memory. It requires appropriate tank selection, power settings, carb heat and undercarriage and flap operation as required. A memnonic after preparing the aircraft to land will check this. Again, it is a CHECK. By the end of the downwind leg the items above should have been done. You shouldn't need to look at a piece of paper to know what speed you should be flying the approach, or to remind you to lower the flaps. Once back at the hangar you can stop the engine and if you feel the need, use a checklist before you note the tach time etc.
Please don't think I am telling you what to do here. You are all adults and can decide what you prefer. Just don't complicate what is actually a rather simple process. If you do use a checklist, for most singles it should fit on to one side of A4 paper. Anything more is a flight Manual
