This was asked a year or so ago and the answer as I recall is that it is OK. That is how I do it and others do also.

As far as the mileage question, I would think that if the engine is spinning slower and you are accelerating slower then you are getting better mileage. If you really want better mileage then basically drive "slower", accelerate much slower and coast to stops. Basically every time you hit the brakes you are pouring gas on the ground. I have been doing this lately and I am getting a lot better mileage around town.

Mike

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra