Barry's procedure is the same as mine. The key is to get enough "way" in reverse to allow the rudder to steer the boat. Then put it in neutral to let the rudder take control. Then put it in reverse to keep it moving into the slip.
I don't consider it at all unseamanlike to manhandle the boat into the slip, especially if you're singlehanding. Backing a boat into a slip is a very complicated process, involving many variables, such as wind strength and direction and currents. Nobody gets it perfect every time. When my timing or handling is off a bit, it doesn't bother me in the least to use a boat hook to grab a piling, or a
line stretched between pilings, and pull the boat into the slip. That's what boat hooks are made for, and that's why people stretch
lines between their pilings.