Tailwheel "controlling" the direction
While watching a video clip on flying taildraggers, the speaker instructs to hold the elevator up, so the tailwheel can better control direction. That got me to wondering if it is this mindset (that the tailwheel is controlling direction) which results in pilots lessoning their attention to doing it.
I have noticed when I train tailwheel pilots that if they three point it, or let the tail down early, their mind seems to relax, thinking perhaps that the tailwheel is now controlling direction, so they don't have to apply as much effort. In contrast, if I instruct a wheel landing, and thereafter, holding the tail off as long as the elevator is effective in doing so, the pilot seems to pay more attention to maintaining control - knowing that the tailwheel is definitely not doing that!
In hindsight, I have never experienced a groundloop threatening with the tail up, I sure have with the tailwheel on!