well it kinda is different. for me its polar opposite.
you do ride to what your limits are and all that, but at the end of the day it comes down to the rider.. i, for instance.. ride with brakes as its a lot safer for my riding style some things i dont have to use brakes on, but they are there if i need them and they act as a placebo affect maybe.
i tried brakless for a week and was always on the floor, then i got back on brakes.. and no falling off. id rather not need them but have them, rather than not have them and need them.
where as you mark, are much more confident in your abilities and skills so you dont need them.
really this whole debate is kinda pointless because people ride with what they feel comfortable with, and when we want to really test ourselves we will make it that little bit harder.
and for the record.. im sure flipp has a tooth missing, and half the bmx kids in my village have teeth out. hahaha.