I am indeed being careful. The particular pencils I use have a smooth radius on the outside, and are made of smooth, soft plastic. I'm aware of the possibility of damage to the screen; however, I feel that using these pencils poses no increased risk.
I suppose it depends on one's definition of helpful.
It doesn't help me at all, as it only points out obvious concerns that anyone considering any implement for poking at an expensive touchscreen has already thought of.

But maybe I'm the only one who doesn't think of infomercials as very helpful. I suppose it must be "very helpful" to stylisource, after all, as it apparently scares some people into buying a stylus from them.