Trailering - engine up or down?

[mushman]

I've got an 86 evinrude, but it has a lever that prevents the engine from resting on the cylinders.I thought it was there just for trailering.
Do the newer engines not have this?.I lock it even when I keep the boat in the water.
I also have a short tie down strap I've used when towing just as a precautionary measure in case the transom gives, it's got flex since it's nylon, and I hope it would prevent the engine from crashing to the ground if It the bracket was was to fall off.I've never heard of this happening, but I'm just paranoid I guess.