Unhooking mats

I just wondered when and why people use unhooking mats.

Is it only for big fish, or do you use them all the time?
Are they ALWAYS the best option, or is soft wet grass on a hot summer day better than a plastic mat left to bake it the sun?

Unhooking mats have now become essential kit and I think there use is often overstated, should common sense be used instead of a blanket "unhooking mats to be used at all times" rule?

I use a large unhooking mat for all fish. BUT you MUST make shore that you WET the mat before putting any fish on it, also it is some where soft to put a fish on .So if the fish start to flap about there is less change of it damageing its self. Without a mat you cannot alway find a soft damp place on the bank so you will have a problem.

don't go fishing without a mat, always think of the catch first and foremost, plus, if you don't catch anything you can always sit on it....