Nearing 7,000 miles on Camry Hybrid

[herbQ]

Just returned from a 14 day driving trip, logging 2,898 additional miles. It was planned for longer and about another 1,000 miles, but an early delivery of a grandchild changed things. Miles now just shy of 7,000.
The car continues to be flawless. Most of the miles were interstate I-5, and the miles per gallon is holding in the low to mid 40s depending on speed and terrain. A constant 65 on cruise control on fairly level surface yields 42 to 43 mpg. This includes the little extra speed needed in passing situations.
Something occured on this trip that I had wondered about. That is starting off while parked on an incline. It works fine, but you have to have faith that the energy will present itself when needed, unless of course the engine happens to be running.
Only used the "B" position once, coasting down from the Siskiyou summit. My dealer says light braking will not shorten brake life and it is the preferred method to hold the speed build up in hand. I am a skeptic on this issue, but that is the official word. If the magnetic brake incurs no wear, why not utilize it instead of the brake pads? Any ideas out there?
It has been a couple of weeks since I last read the Camry forum. Some of the owners were a little perplexed about the mpg they were attaining. This car is the ultimate economy car,all things considered. It should be driven as such to attain good milage. It will perform nicely on demand,but that is not the name of the game. You cannot have it both ways, max performance and 40+ mpg. Thoughts?

[schmidtj]

Originally Posted by herbQ

...If the magnetic brake incurs no wear, why not utilize it instead of the brake pads? ...

Well regenerative braking is NOT a magnetic brake (like amusement park rides have). MG2 (the traction motor) is turned into generator and as a result it provides a MODEST amount of braking effort. If you REALLY need to stop quickly the regenerative braking won't do it. You need the mechanical brakes for that.
J

[herbQ]

Thanks for your input TJ. I have found the so called "magnetic" brake to be very effective and powerful when it was used in the Canadian Rockies in late May. I used it quite a lot and was able to control the build up of speed. Upon returning home, the dealer told me the preferred method was using the mechanical braking. It seems on a long steep downgrade, the use of the "B" detent would be beneficial, compared to excessive pad wear and the potential of warping the rotors. The battery recharging can be accomplished in other ways should need be. Thanks, herbQ