Being a fan of ultra light and slow action rods - I usually give a solid hook set, but then again my rods cushion the light line, and the small, sharp hooks set easily without too much force. Sharp hooks are a fisherman's best friend when it comes to hooking and keeping a fish hooked. I fish barbless on just about all my hooks - if it comes w/ barbs, I pinch them before tossing a lure or fly. Got to keep the hooks sharp, and the pressure on, and the fish normally won't escape.
The thing that I always get a chuckle at, is the guy who feels he needs a stiff action rod more suited for fall chinook or sturgeon, with heavy line to match - in order to catch a few stocker hotdog trout or some panfish. Then again, some of the rods some of the serious bass guys use leaves me scratching my head too. I can see the need for the heavy stuff, if you're pitching swim baits like Colby and FP use - but 40 or 50lb braided line seems a bit...overkill... for a guy fishing 5-7" plastic worms for 12-15" bass.