In 1/8th scale:
I personally have not run without or broken a wing off when running so cant commend much. I know of a few people that, have and they said and watching the car. It struggle's a lot more on larger jumps, as the wing plays a large roll in car control in the air. And how the car jumps too, At lower speeds you wouldn't notice as much in comparison in fast sections ect. It helps a lot to keep the rear planted to the ground, and will keep the rear more stable. Just generally makes the whole car more stable. But you are right, a fair bit is in the mindset but a lot will depend on the car-the wing that was used.. the speed of the track jumps ect...track high or low grip ect..
Genrale rule of thumb:
Slicker=Less grip track=Larger wings AKA High Downforce
Faster track in general
High Grip=Smaller wing's..standard/low one's
Smaller..slower track
Im sure other's will chime in with more detail
