The only time I ever did them, was high reps, 315 for 15-20 reps and I only did the top portion of the dead lift. Racking it at knee height.
I honestly do not give a shit about strength. I would rather look strong, than actually be strong. That said, I am still quite strong... but I don't train for strength. I mean, you gonna take your bench or platform to the beach with you and put on a show? I would rather look like I could do heavy weight than actually be able to do it. Keeping my waist small adds to that image. My genetic strong points are my back and shoulders. Add a tiny waist to that and you further take the illusion to the extremes. I don't see doing heavy dead lifts just for strength. I can target my lower and mid back much better with different exercises. That is just me. Some people like to be strong.
As long as I am strong enough to hold my trick's face in the pillow and open that peanut butter jar in the middle of the night, I am happy.