I don't see the reasoning to hinge cutting hardwood, the tree dies so it does nothing but possibly provide a comfort zone for a short period, if you leave the tops it would do just the same thing. the stumps will still sprout and provide the browse, even if you clean the trees up, the deer will come to browse.
as far as backcutting with a chainsaw, it works well as long as the top edge of the tip does not contact the tree from the 10 till 12 o'clock position on the tip. I make a living in the fall with a chainsaw, if I hinge cut, its because another tree is hung up in it, sometimes they lay down easy sometimes it gets pretty violent. always use common sense, evaluate the situation before you start the saw.
RR