Common in UK Trad. Since we often include a good amount of rope in the anchor system clipping the plate into the belay loop means some load bypassing the climbers harness and body and being taken through the rope and by the anchors. Some of the load is still absorbed by the climbers position and body though. Its less common to always belay direct over here as we are less likely to be belaying off of 200% bomber anchors like bolts, especially in winter. This article explains more about what I mean (N.B. its not necessarily an either/or thing, more a 'be aware' and make a choice thing): www.ukclimbing.com/articles/skills/belaying_-_rope_loop_or_belay_loop-1129

@@AlHalewood I see. that makes sense.