I use it fairly often, but charm works very well too. I use chains/fear to
eliminate my pet after he is victorious though.

Big warning! The first time a 2nd mob that is SoW'd gets feared you may
wish you never tried this! I had this happen in Lake of Ill Omen and the
carnage was spectacular. I figure at least 10 characters were slain before
the goblins stopped pouring out of the mines. All from one additional mob
fleeing down the cave mouth because I ran by with fear. Do not attempt this
on Giants in Frontier. They will flee right by the castle wall and your AoE
fear may hit a giant on the other side. If it does, just be a gentleman and
wave bye-bye to your corpse during the Loading Please Wait message.

Still this is an awesome tactic that is one of the few that is even more
effective when two bards are working together.

Kitasi