I have not tried it. I've seen pics of that setup a couple of times. Anecdotally, I heard about Surly contacting someone who had posted a pic of a bike set up that way on social media, saying it was not safe. I can't verify that actually happened, so take it with a grain of salt.
Two somewhat-related observations: First, I miss that style of blog from Rivendell. The weekly emails and infrequent Blahg aren't the same. Second, I think the "flexible steerer tube" question/concern is valid. It manifests itself in front brake shudder when using a top-of-the-headset mounted cable hanger and cantilever brakes.
Chris