Advantages to playing with a Plectrum

[Killed_by_Death]

In the past I always used the blunt corners of teardrop shaped plectrums, until I found V-Picks & their equilateral models.
I've been using their mandolin pick:

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I try to move my hand in an arc, twisting the wrist vs. moving the arm up/down.

The fret-buzz is more apparent when down-tuned, not that this should be a surprise.
I can either:
adjust the truss rod accordingly
play with fingers
just get accustomed to some buzz when down-tuned

 

[ixlramp]

I also find action needs to go higher when using a pick.

To clarify my technique:
Bass at a high playing angle.
Forearm and hand near-perpendicular to strings.
Pick near-perpendicular to forearm and hand.
Pick parallel to strings.
The pick is gripped by pressing with the first finger pad against the tip of the thumb, instead of pressing with the thumb pad against the side of the first finger.

The problem with using guitar pick technique on a bass is that it requires the bass be in a guitar-like position: fairly horizontal and left-shifted. But this is then an unergonomic position for the fretting arm and hand. My approach is to not compromise an ergonomic bass position.
I find it odd how important 'palm muting' is to many picking bassists, after all, players don't mute when not using a pick. It's a nice sound though i admit.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

It is possible to mute while playing with fingers, you can either mute with the side of your hand & thumb the notes or rest a ring or pinky finger on the string while you pluck it with your index or middle.
Try playing Every Breath You Take w/o a plectrum

There's also fret-hand muting, but to me that's trickier & also sounds a bit different.