[kmtrowbr]

You're right! That's benefit #4.

I suppose it's different for each person, depending upon their age their health.

For me, sometimes it's easier to just kinda, jog or sorta, "controlled fall" down the hill, in this case, the walking sticks should be held in your hand. But at other times, you go slow and lever yourself down with the poles.

Of course, the big downside of the poles if that you're constantly fiddling with them. They're noisy and take effort.