Hard to tell from your phrasing if you deem playing off the shin or knee a back-pass but the latest IFAB circular clarifies playing off the shin or knee is not considered a kick and hence not a back-pass.
I agree with the rest of your post though. In fact it resembles my post #3
100% not a pass back from shin / knee thigh etc. Apologies if not clear.
In my opinion (and sounds like in yours), the more proactive you can be the better, that way you are seen as aware of what's happening in the game, decisions don't come as a surprise to anyone on the park, which makes retaining match control so much easier.