Sabaki method

Hi,

I'm interested in the sabaki method, picked up by Enshin / Ashihara, etc. I don't really care which MA uses the sabaki method, I just want to know if it is generally useful, and what it's strengths and weaknesses might be. Is it worth studying?

Would like some personal anecdotes for those who have trained in it, and also links to resources you've found helpful.

Thanks folks