But would u say that we should all be striving to mix by pitch sliding alone?
No, not really. Each to their own - you might find it easier a different way, so many people have different things they do whilst mixing i.e some hold the spindle, some touch the platter to slow while others touch the record etc.

But I definitely recommend giving it a go to see how you get on, and persevere because it does take a while to learn.