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I always double-clutch downshifts into a corner - if you match the revs correctly, it puts little wear and tear on the clutch and even less on the transmission. It should add no additional wear and tear on the brakes because, as has already been pointed out, you are heel and toeing and are not using compression braking (the whole point of double-clutching is to equalize revs so that there IS no compression braking and there is less strain on the clutch/transmission than releasing the clutch with mis-matched revs). The fact is that a properly executed, rev-matched downshift put less not more wear and tear on the clutch, cv joints, engine/transmission mounts than any downshift without rev matching.
I do not down-shift into first gear for corners - it is much harder to match revs and, frankly, even at 1500 RPM's in second, the engine is still pulling quite strongly (peak torque on the 2.7 occurs at relatively low RPM's).
Rolling to stop in neutral? I have always believed that while moving, the car should always be in gear in case you need to take an evasive maneuver (such as moving forward a bit to avoid contact from a late braking, or sliding car from behind - believe me, I know from experience).
Is downshifting prior to a corner and double-clutching necessary? Of course not, but all racing drivers do it with manual transmissions as it enables you to be in the correct gear in order to apply power in the middle of a turn and on exit. When you enter the turn your downshifting is done and you can concentrate totally on steering and trailing throttle braking, if you so choose. Plus it sounds great and let's face it, that is one of the true joys of owning a Boxster!
Brad
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