So I do not use a shaper and I will assume that it offers a different set of issues over a regular router table.
But with a square scrap of plywood, not a dedicated sled, to push the work through you want the cutters to cut into the scrap to back up the cut and reduce tear out.
You do with a sled, too. Part of the sled is sacrificial and replaceable. It's a lot more expensive than a scrap of plywood, though.
I like your method better than a sled except for the hold down, actually. Not as pretty but cheaper/better. A push block and bit guard solves these problem all way around (push, angle, tear-out, hold-down, and fingers into sharp spinning metal). As a bonus, it gets rid of scrap plywood laying around the shop.
I reccomend what ever makes you feel the safest. In my case my router table fence has a guard that fits over the bit, just in case.
Belt and suspenders.
Or a slightly wider rail, ripped to final size after shaping/routing. Or use scrap rail stock to back the cut.
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