I do not backtack when piecing.
When piecing long strips, I shorten the stitch length from 2.5 to 2 (or 10-12 stitches per inch to about 12-14 stitches per inch)
On the seams that cross the strips - I leave about 1/4 inch of thread on the ends of the seams - I leave about 1/2 inch of "stitching" between patches when I chain piece.