Actually, RR, I used to drive the car decisively. Accelerate quickly up to road speed, then "float" at the limit (or traffic speed, whichever the more appropriate), when slowing I would give the brake a good push to force a downshift, then let the engine do its work. Feathering the brakes is not good, nor too-gentle acceleration. They are the conditions an AL4 punishes you for imposing.