Seems to me I remember reading that Merle Travis, who normally picked "bare fingered," once tore a nail badly and had to resort to fingerpicks. He apparently kind of liked it once he got used to them, but the story didn't say if he reverted back ??

As a banjo player I've used them for years. On guitar I've got to play a few days before I'm used to them. They certainly do change the hand position from bare fingers, but boy do they give you snap and clarity.