Downshift and brake? or just brake?

I've been searching through google, forums, etc. Everyone claims on is better then the other. Personally, I have a 99 integra, i downshift. My dad has an 85 toyota pickup, it has only had one clutch job, not because of downshifting, but because the first 100,000km was pulling out stumps and doing farm work (it's only a 4 cyl engine). Downshifting has worked for all 250,000km in my dads truck, and so far, 20,000 km on my car and no clutch wear. Please give a reason why you do one more then the other. Please note that both me and my dad know how to drive, we obviously slow down from 100km before we shift into 4th. I'd say it only goes up to about 2300 rpm when i downshift. Please don't waste my time and say something idiotic like "downshifting wears out your clutch" or some stupid **** b/c i know it does, but it doesn't make that much of a difference if you know how to drive. Im looking for more of what YOU do and more of an opinion and a reason behind it. Thanks