On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 11:22:41 AM UTC-4, kirk.stant wrote:

Of course, you do have to know how to fly your plane

This is another one of those cases where the maneuver is perfectly safe if you have the currency/proficiency to do it, and you're not having a bad day, and the wind cooperates.

In some scenarios, downwind-towplane-landing launches more gliders more quickly, or it is the only practical solution, or it is the safest solution with all factors considered. But I doubt that it is always more productive, safer, or necessary.

Wherever possible, the consequences of the most likely (and apparently common) pilot error should be minimal.