Murray MacLeod advised,"Under no circumstances rest your pinkie on the soundboard while picking."

I'm afraid I'm one of the "howls of rage" he predicted. I do not criticize him for keeping his hand un-anchored, but I don't think letting my pinky glide over the pick-guard while I'm flat-picking is a hinderance. I also keep my pinky anchored to the pick guard when I'm playing three finger style guitar (Travis/Cotton picking) or Scruggs style banjo. I feel this gives me a referance point. I do play with a free hand when I'm playing arpeggio-style or Bossa Nova with four fingers.

How can anyone know that Chet Atkins or Dan Crary would have been better players if they'd played with an unanchored hand?