I am sure you'll get both sides of the fence. You'll find die hard smooth stop fans and the same for the electronic valves. We have many of the mini hobby valves in use here in South Florida. Proportional braking and the gear up cutoff feature if you don't use a mix to do the same thing. You can just leave that lead off if you wish. Very easy to setup. Really only two steps.
Being that Mini Hobby is local, I have had a great experience getting one repaired that a wire broke off when I took it there. $89 versus the cost of a servo and the smooth stop. Personally I like the electronic valves that free up installation room.
If you try one I think you will be pleased.
BC