I hand code in bits and pieces all the time. Sometimes I'll hand code one line at a time at the MDI command line for a simple job, and some of my first jobs were all hand coded. Its not particularly unreasonabe to use CAM to write program segments either. I've done those things before. I've used scrfical backers of wood and aluminum before too. Sometimes even MDF is adequate for a backer. I've got a piece of aluminum attached to another piece of aluminum in the vise on that machine right now. It IS held on with glue and tape.
I could have split the stock before hand, and used one of the many mounting and managing methods. Essentially working with "proper thickness" stock, but this was faster and easier. In the end this really is just a variation of the profile, flip, and deck method that is so often used in production. In this case it was just easier to deck it with the saw and save all the base metal.
I think people underrate the bandsaw as a production tool though. They think of it either for one off projects (particularly the vertical) or for roughing stock to size with the vertical or horizontal. I routinely used my vertical to separated nearly complete work pieces before decking off the back side. I'll cut half dozen or more pieces out of a monolithic piece of stock leaving just the bare minimum of a web between them. Then I'll separate them on the band saw before I mount them one at a time in the vise to deck off the back and bring them to final thickness. Its much faster and easier than cutting them one at a time, and depending on the shape there is no clamping required at all. Sometimes soft jaws are machined to hold an irregular shape.
I do mostly one off custom work on the paying side, but I have to think about time (my time) for everything. I can not afford to dismiss any option for mounting and managing stock. Sometimes moving clamps and multiple setups are the best way to do a job. Sometimes a sacrificial backer is. The most valuable time I spend on a project is the time I spend doing nothing but sitting there thinking my way through a project. Sometimes leaning back in my desk chair with my eyes closed and the light turned down in my office.
I enjoy what I do, but I value my time too.