On Friday, August 24, 2012 1:25:49 PM UTC-4, kirk.stant wrote:
Finally! I've been refusing to do release checks for years and get the stink-eye everytime. I've tried explaining that if you can hook up, then you have checked as much as you can, but still get people saying "but what if it fails?". Maybe one of you smart guys out there can explain the logic of a separate release check? Kirk 66

Your logic seems fine if you are flying a glider with a Tost hook that you must open in order to connect the tow rope.
But- you may be teaching the line crew not to doa check which may appy to other gliders.
Examples:
1)Tost Hook with back release can be connected by someone who knows how without the pilot pulling the knob. What if the release cable is broken or jammed?
2) Schweizer hooks are easily hooked up without pulling the knob. Same question about cable.
3) Some hooks are externally operated to hook up. 1-35, HP series, others I don't know about. Verifying functionality would seem to be wise.

I happen to tow out to the line on a rope. Releasing acts as my functional test and I don't do another at launch. I encourage our pilots to do the same to save a bit of time at launch, but ask them to tell the line person that the release check has been done.
FWIW
UH