I personally have always did both...dropped her into 3rd on the VX Auto as well as periodically braking which when in combination keeps both the rpms down and allows the pads a chance to cool. I've always driven this way even with a manual trannie and have never observed any ill effects...my Fiero clutch lasted 209,000 miles before she expired..by then it was time to junk the car...lol.

Actually when John and I descended Mt. Equinox during the VX-Plore 1 meet I also made use of the Emergency brake as they are separate pads....so I was engine braking....while braking....while occassionally pulling up on the E-brake to let the main brakes cool...I did this whenever the descent leveled off so as not to put a strain on the e-brakes either.