My father was raised just outside of London and he told me as a kid that Brits connect their letters, but it isn't cursive. Who knows if that's true but it always stuck with me, and as I've perfected my handwriting over the years, I find that I unconsciously connect my letters.
My dear sister once told me that my handwriting looks like calligraphy, and it was one of the best compliments I ever got.
Combination here - I join together some letters not not others. Main reasons: it looks neater (my true cursive is horrible to read) and it's quicker for me. I hate writing and have a kind of writing 'stutter' - sometimes I just stop in the middle of a word and I can't make my hand carry on for several seconds, so I pick it up and then I can carry on - hence the combination thing.