fd I congratulated kabz on the thread he started regarding his emergency. He obviously did what was necessary at the time.
I think ignoring sections of an aircraft's POH is done at your own risk regardless of the circumstances. Apart from invalidating your insurance, it can also kill you. As I understand it, in the 172 with full flap down, a steep sideslip can result in a very rapid nose down and tuck under. I've not tried it myself but have been assured that it can be quite violent depending on the c of g. It's not something I'd like if I was in a semi-glide at 200' with no chance of regaining height with power.
