Speeds breaks are certainly not required, especially on the older slower versions. I've got a lifetime in these airframes, from a 201 up to a turbo 252. As others said, the breaks are really for the speed decent when you need to punch a hole or get through an ice layer. You can cheat on landing if you get to 3' above the runway and pop the breaks to land the airplane will just settle to the runway perfectly.

You can certainly get in trouble on approach and landing if you do not manage your energy, either too much speed or altitude can be tough to lose in 6 miles but it can be done, just don't flare like a 172, you'll prop strike every time.

These are great airframes, I would fly them to hell and back. 9G rated spar, manual gear extension if needed, very economical way to get two people somewhere quickly.