Pushing an airplane with a free-swiveling nose wheel backward without a towbar requires a certain amount of skill, finesse, and attention. Once you learn how to anticipate the nose wheel's reverse pivoting inclinations, it is relatively easy to do for short distances (e.g., push back into transient tiedown spot). For longer distances or where clearances are tight (e.g., push back into a tight hangar), then a towbar is the way to go. A rope is OK for pulling -- it's small/light and easily stored. This assumes that you have a ready spot on the nose wheel strut to attach it too (preferably NOT the prop).
Ooopps! Thought I was on the RV-12 site -- Never mind. Taildraggers rule!!