Does anyone really do this to their cooling system?

There's no way in HELL I'd ever do that. First off, what a pain in the ***. Secondly, the freeze plugs are on the WRONG SIDE to drain by removing them. If they were down low on the passenger's side, you'd get more out, but then you couldn't get to them. lol No. I think I'd just flush it good after removing the thermostat and bottom hose until I got clear water and call it good.