I go to a part 141 school, and failed my stage 2 (of 2) instrument check ride for entering a hold with a teardrop entry instead of a paralell entry. My reasoning was that I am simply more comfortable doing a tear drop, and the the entrys are only recomended. My hold was fine, and that was the only reason for failing given in the debrief.

This wasn't the checkride, but regaurdless, just do what the FAA suggests. If you think this COULD get you into trouble, you probably shouldn't do it.