Whilst I have a Mk2 I too was advised about the handbrake.
When I was in driver training we were told to leave foot on pedal, exerting pressure and then depress the button, pull the lever up as far as you think you can and then release button. Give the lever a tug and it will probably come up another notch. MAKE SURE THE PAWL( Ratchet) HAS ENGAGED
The dealer poopood this and just told me to just pull the hand brake lever up, the teeth will never wear out. Perhaps they won't in normal life but if Ozzie lets his pupils give the ratchet stick at his 200,000miles it might be a different story.
One word of warning, it is not just a case of tightening the handbrake cable. There is a set procedure to follow otherwise your handbrake will not work. It involves checking the stops on the calipers to ensure the handbrake cable is fully released and having the wheels off the ground until, when adjusting the cable to remove the slack with the handbrake on the first notch or click, the discs just drag when turned by hand. I do know that if the correct procedure is not followed you will never have a decent handbrake. It is not difficult just a pain in the bum to do.
Perhaps I have been lucky but in 3 yrs I have had no problems with the handbrake BUT I still leave it in gear as well.