I think you both have valid points. I think you could argue for either side, and both are probably technically right. It all has to do with how extreme you go either way. If you are too strict, you will basically be simulating a machine, and we all know that you an lift heavier with a machine, but that the movement is so restricted that you do not become as strong. On the other side of the coin, if you lift heavier, but use wacky form, way out of line, just to finish a few reps, you will most likely injure yourself i nthe long term.

I've always used relatively strict form on certain movements (ie. concentration curls, ez bar curls, squats) but have had certain movements where I found it benificial to not be as strict (such as bench press, lat pulldowns, and most shoulder movements). Doesn't mean that will apply to any of you, thats just what my body reacts best to.

Also, on days that I go crazy and try lift particularly heavy, max weightage, I do not use as strict of form.

Who knows! I suspect that the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Raven