An automatic, with a manual you can shift down to whatever you want, so there's no standard there, really.

Agree the engine braking on automatics sucks. If you re-read my original post, it specifically talked about manuals :)

And I mean if drifters can use shift lock to literally skid their wheels, then clearly engine braking is effective.

With manuals I don't tend to downshift to brake. I certainly could, but it's so jarring (mostly the sudden rev) that I tend to just use the brakes, and what matters is what people do, not what they could do.

I am talking about what I do do :)

Also I learned in driving school in Europe (and during the motorcycle course in USA) to downshift while braking so your engine helps the brakes and you’re always in the right gear. There shouldn’t be any sudden revs if you’re gentle with the clutch.

Then again as a young idiot I also learned how to heel-and-toe on public roads so I could rev match more effectively while braking into corners. Maybe I’m just a weird driver with unusual habits. It’s ok.