Well, it wasn't a 9 V battery, but a 4.5 V battery, but I still voted yes. And as to why I would do that: It was the easiest way to find out if the battery was empty. And since 4.5 V don't really hurt - it's more like a prickling sensation - it didn't bother me at all.

The only known quantity that moves faster than
light is the office grapevine. (from Nan's fabulous Home series)