There is no chord fretting hell. Well, maybe in Dante, but if you're not a Renaissance Italian, I think you're ok.
As for the technique, some of my students use it. The problem you get into is when you have transitions which should be easy, such as D to F#m, or D to Bm, both of which happen a fair bit, and suddenly they involve this gymnastic wrist roll-around which is unnecessarily hard.
No go and say three Hail Marys. (sorry, just trying to get another reference in to Ken's thread.... )
I've started playing a full D chord by reaching over and grabbing the bottom 3 strings with my thumb, anyone else play it this way or am I going to get burned for heresy ?
I take that comment seriously coming from a doctor specializing in these issues. I mean, everything is individual. Some people can smoke two packs a day and not get lung cancer but I'm sure it wouldn't surprise a doctor to see that occurrence. I guess it depends on technique and regularity. Most people I know that use this technique do it only at certain times when best suited for the transitions or chord melodies being played.It's a technique favored by players who enjoy slow songs and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Holy crap, lol!!!!!lol, thanks for the laugh, I did what you instructed only I said three tooth fairys and threw in a father christmas and 2 harry potters instead as they are just as real