I (using a C*n*n 10D) use only the center focus-point, with the camera set to only use the center point. I do as you say, move the focus sensor over what I want to focus on, focus, then recompose.
Even in the manual it says the camera will focus on whatever is closest when I have the multi-point system on, which is almost _never_ what I would want. I can't even imagine how hat would be very useful, except for person standing in front of a mountain range, but even then we like to have some foreground objects for perspective and WHOOPS there goes the camera focusing on a limb that blew in front of the lens! Or a leaf that happens to be closer than the blossom, or... And lately, I have been able to see well enough in the tiny viewfinder image to do manual focusing, which I seemed unable to accomplish when I first started using the camera. I may go back to exclusive manual focus, except for perhaps for moving objects... Anyway, I only use the center focus point when I use auto-focus and have found no use in my photography for the other ones, nor any "auto-choice" system I've been exposed to (pun intentional). - THaller
