I've heard the same thing suggested about CUT TO: before. Logically, yes, if you start a new scene then you have already CUT TO: that new scene so what's the point in typing it?
Confusion maybe arises because some pro screenwriters use CUT TO: while others don't. Perhaps those who do are simply stating they don't think any other kind of transition is warranted?
Sure, wannabe/learning screenwriters aren't supposed to use transitions at all, but FADE OUT: and FADE IN: are useful for denoting end of/beginning of sequences (if you happen to write in sequence form). DISSOLVE TO: also has its uses especially as a time lapse indicator. I'll avoid transitions whenever I can, but if I feel they're doing something for the script I'll leave 'em be and damn the icebergs.
Note that CUT TO: is sometimes used in TV scripts as a flag to denote end of current scene, if the "start a new page for each scene" layout is preferred.
-Derek
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Warning, the above message may contain my personal opinions, which are not necessarily balanced, never mind correct.
