Are you washing the bike first, then applying the Pledge? Or can you apply the pledge after riding (provided all parts are no longer hot) without washing?
No...if you use the mini duster correctly and get the dust/dirt off first then you can wipe it down with the pledge just fine without scratching anything. The whole point is that pledge is easy and quick...not to replace a good wax every now and then.
When you wash...then wax. When you don't...wipe down with pledge.
I found this thread because I've used Pledge and got to wondering whether there was any good reason not to. Looks like plenty of good reasons to keep on doing it. I use it on chrome, glass, paint, leather (it really makes those RKC bags shine) -- almost everything. I think the lemon may be a little better than the regular at getting bugs off the lights and windshield. That may also mean that it's harsher on the paint.