I'm not suggesting in my position that I have much to offer here in technique (definitely don't copy me!) or any insight, but looks like this is a good place for a bit of a ramble...
I doubt I'd see any difference either way. But without knowing full details, I read this as being something that could not easily be tracked/enforced/actively encouraged; so as a result have voted with a 'no' for now at least. Although, granted - IF it would work out to be the same for everybody, then fair enough! at which point, I could be talked round!
I guess that most H-shifters probably use GPLshift?
So yes - paddles vs. H-shifters. Hand-on wheel vs. hand-off thing. with H-shifter, I've certainly hit the wrong gear/ended up in neutral too many times; not sure you'd manage that with paddles/sequential
How about different control methods? (joypads/joysticks/keys?) which admittedly would probably be subject to the default shift times anyway, but the mechanics of shifting is different of course. And then Clive's hybrid sequential shift technique?
Maybe drivers (all/points finishers/top 6/podium?) should provide a sample (well, client replay) following each event? Of course, disconnects & replays failing to be saved etc probably invites further scrutiny/finger-pointing. Not to mention the moderator overhead. In addition to that, from what Phil mentions, it sounds as if the analysis may be not completely straightforward anyway?
I guess if all drivers were made/encouraged to use shifters & in H-mode, then the starting point is at least consistent?
Does this require additional poll as to gathering current shift methods & details of shift utility?
Looks as though Phil managed to change from 4th->2nd without potential issue, so maybe skipping gears with H-shifter is still possible/fair after all
Personally, I was happy using GPLshift [maybe with a bit inadvertent cheating or external/artificial assistance] - but eventually realised that the enforced FOV limits were causing me an issue with my new wide monitor...
As a result, currently using ALshift with the registry tweak for G25/G27/other instead. Although, then also ended up using xpadder so the pit in/out/shift-r stuff would all work from the shifter buttons. It all ended up being more tedious to get working than just firing up GPLshift. Maybe moving to fairshift would be straightforward, but I'm at least a bit wary.
In closing, despite it being what surely would keep things in harmony if 100% across the board; I have reasonable doubt despite the intentions.
And if the glove does not fit...
EDIT: and of course, not even mentioned clutch. Is that relevent here at all if the discussions are around gearchanges? Personally, use it for starts, not for changing gear, but it's there to be partially pushed in at other times. Probably doesn't help, but sometimes just makes things sound a bit better with a slight dip now & again.
Cheers,
Dave.