"However, some other ME users recommend using the ME as a stationary pad set down under the stylus; they then lower the stylus gently on to the pad using the cue-ing device, up and down a few times. This sounds much safer for inattentive persons like me. What do you think of this latter method?"
I use this method, because it sounded safer. The only thing here is the ME, being so lightweight, tended to lift up when lifting stylus off. To prevent this, I cut horizontal slit in the side, and slid in a quarter. Now it doesn't do this. Please note, my square is like 3/4" thick, so there is a good thickness of ME between quarter and stylus.
I use this method, because it sounded safer. The only thing here is the ME, being so lightweight, tended to lift up when lifting stylus off. To prevent this, I cut horizontal slit in the side, and slid in a quarter. Now it doesn't do this. Please note, my square is like 3/4" thick, so there is a good thickness of ME between quarter and stylus.