I always have the slides retracted until after I am completely unhitched, leveled and have all utilities connected. And I do the complete opposite when departing.
Some of you mentioned Stress on the Monty, as your main reason for doing the same.
I do it to reduce the Stress on ME. When my slides are retracted I don't have to remember to duck when I am using the Level-Up controls. I don't have to remember to stay low when connecting the city water, cable/satellite and sewer connection. I don't have to crawl under the slides to put the stabilizer pads in place. I can place my shore power cord right along side the tires so that I don't trip over the cord later.
We all have our own way of doing things and for our own reasons, I just prefer "the less stress on me way."
