Posted for John Jessen <jjessen@CMBINFO.com>:
I'm not all that qualified to join this conversation, given my relative lack
of hours, but I do have one perspective that happened not too long ago...

I was practicing night landings in a rented Cherokee, when I saw movement
headed towards the runway while on short final (as in deer or other critter)
and pushed the throttle to the wall for a go around.  I was at full flaps
and reached down for the handle to change to take off flaps.  After getting
the Johnson to release, the handle slipped out of my hand and slammed down
to the floor.  Now, no flaps, under powered, hot night and I'm doing MCA
across the field.  I was wagging my tail as I tried to control the yaw and
lower the nose.  It didn't take long to recognize the condition and know
that I was very close to, if not in a stall.  Those Cherokees are very
forgiving and I was able to mush my way down the runway until I got it up to
speed again.  I don't want to do that in a Lancair, a Glasair or any other
plane that might not be so friendly, but it can happen and happen fast.  So,
I agree with Brian...know your planes characteristics relative to stall
approach and handling, get that POH written and in doing so you will cement
the numbers in the old brain, but build your reflexes in kinder, more
forgiving aircraft, or even high performance aircraft with known stall
characteristics.  However, never, ever think that there won't be a time when
you'll need to "fly MCA down the runway," no matter how far in advance you
fly the plane.  This stuff just happens and those reflexes and insights into
your own, unique bird may be enough, just enough, to get you through.  Just had to say something...

John
   (N212PJ reserved)