Tip Cap - I'm not sure that checklists should be there to prevent poor handling skills. If you can't tell that the brakes are on or the cyclic is locked before you raise your left hand too much, then the training/checking system has failed in it's primary task.
On a slightly different subject, do we operate with a 'check list' or a 'do list' I've had pilots voice concerns about switching radars to standby or arming floats prior to running through the checks. Are fixed wing pilots allowed to lower the flaps and undercarriage without written instruction?
TeeS