Look, let's get away from the one extreme to another, such as "a smack on the bum is better than a dead kid." That rational shows a serious lack of imagination.
There are certain things that are vital to all primates, and children are primates. One of them is being part of the group. Isolation from the group is far more painful than being smacked on the bum once or twice.

Naturally, I like to think my kids were exceptional, and there may be some who just don't fit the mould, but my kids never got smacked around. For some reason they toed the mark because they didn't want to disapoint me. It was important to them to please me and I returned the honor by making sure they knew they were loved and respected.I've always been proud of them and they know it.
Show me a razor strap that is more effective than that.
I just don't believe that spanking is the best way to "square them away".I see it as a short cut that requires less effort than a better solution.

Ok, spankers, fire away! I'm loaded for bear.