Power at VBAT versus BAT_IN

Do you recommend the limit of 500mA for VBAT only when using USB power or also when using battery power that comes in via BAT_IN?

If you're just using battery power then 1A should be fine, but when you plug USB in it switches over and you'd end up using the diode...

So really, if you have a project where you're planning on using batteries all the time, I'd suggest wiring your loads direct to the battery/BAT_IN pin