"Is dangerous cycling a problem" BBC

This is true if you rely on the syncromesh to do it, not so if you use the throttle to match the speeds in the gear train as you go down.

If you get it right you don't need to use the clutch at all- into neutral, blip the throttle, into gear.

This is great if you can do it. I don't have the motor control to get it right, and yes I do own a car that doesn't have syncromesh on most of the gears. I doubt if most drivers have the skill to do it either, at least well enough to make it worthwhile in terms of cost.