Inappropriate? Not if it works for you. It won't do anything of your beer to make it out of style, if that's what you're worrying about. It's not traditional, but it won't break anything.
You might get a richer malt flavor (not a problem), more color development (not a problem), and better attenuation (not a problem).
There are certainly easier ways to mash out, but you didn't ask that. So I'd guess you just wanted to try this technique. It's as good a place as any to give it a go.
If lautering is your problem, you can also try a thinner mash, a slower runoff rate, and rice hulls.