I say: use and like whatever works for "you".
But, for me, I thought the S5's thumb-ramp was just OK. While I generally felt the ramp was well placed, I still found it to have restrictions on my holds and hand movement. And I personally DON'T feel it offers so much in control for my uses. So, I find the negatives outweigh the benefits and felt it would be better without.
So, I have removed the thumb-ramp on one of my S5's. And as I suspected, I find I prefer it without.
But, considering the BEST improvement I made on the S5 was to grind the bump/guard of Res-C behind the steel guard into a single guard by tapering the Res-C into the steel, the hand placement is moved forward about 1/4" and the ramp was even less desirable. That and rounding and deepening the choil have made HUGE improvements to my S5. I also just slightly dropped the point a bit. I still have some finish detials and I hope to get some pics up soon. Maybe tomorrow - lots to do today.
*** Side note: I think it is interesting that the Mudder grips fit and work fine on all other Mudder grip knives I have owned: Bog Dog, SS4, MPLE. Probably because of how the Res-C guard and steel guard are effectively aligned and integrated together. But, the S5's Res-C guard and steel guard are mis-aligned IMO. And just don't feel right in my hand. Luckily, the Res-C mods pretty easily and with the modification, the S5's handle is now AWESOME!!!!!
Anyway, with some reasonably minor tweaks, the S5 is becoming a MAJOR go-to blade!!!
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Mike Stewart and Bark River can say what they want about how they "intend" their ramps (Bravo-1) to be used. But, ultimately it still varies from person to person. And personally, I don't like the thumb ramp on my Bravo1 either. I have not yet removed the ramp on my Bravo1, but I actually use and prefer my Canadian Special WAY more than my Bravo1. I even prefer the Aurora and Mini Montana Guide over the Bravo1. But, that is me and my preferences. I am actually quite a fan of Bark River knives. I don't care for "all" Bark River designs. I am not a Cool-Aid drinker anywhere. I call designs like I see them. And Bark River has a LOT of designs that work VERY well and I especially feel Bark River excells with their smaller knives - although many have too small handle ergos for my large hands! - But, many others are VERY good. Anyway, I am a HUGE fan of satin finishes, Full convex blades, Factory razor sharp blades, A2 and 52100, and nicely finished handles. So, I think Bark River offers a LOT. But, for me, while still a VERY good knife with lots of potential, the Bravo1 sits in my drawer. I just have a few others including my modified S5 that I prefer more. Along with removing my Bravo1's ramp, I would also like to drop the point. I prefer dropped points on my task/woods knives. But, to each their own.
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