Although not taught that way originally, I can see the obvious benefit of doing this. From now on, this will be SOP.
And to Parker's point, if actually on the surface, not submerged, I'll take advantage of ambient air or OC

I should have pointed out that going off the loop was only when I was in the shallows and could stand. I wouldn't remove my reg OR loop from my mouth in ANY situation where I cannot stand.