I seldom change distance from the mic, more because of the compressor/limiter than great control on my part. Trust me, Mel and Tom used one too, with a sound man riding the mixer.
Not disagreeing with you, but most of the people singing in the world NEED to back off the mic on high notes because they will be too loud and blast the audience's ears. It may be because of lack of control that this is necessary. If so, most of us are lacking.