I'm sure this has been asked before and I'm sure it's been debated and so forth but has anyone actually gathered any proof whether or not a stand is essential or if it adds to the longevity of a brush? Many vendors say yay others say nay. What do you think? Personally I don't use a stand but I do rinse my brushes afterwards until the water runs clean and I buff them gently on a soft towel. Never had a problem.