First off, I'd never tell anyone how to carry. It's their life and they can live it how they please as long as it does not infringe on the law or my safety when I'm in their proximity.
Since this thread started off asking how I carry, I'll offer my views.
For all of you that advocate a round in the pipe, allow me to offer some old timer wisdom. Ammo can detonate from outside forces and if one is in the pipe, it goes out.
I know of static electricity that has caused an accidental discharge. I've been in a room that was on fire and been present when a loaded gun discharged from heat. The older 1911's and A1's, prior to a disconnector can discharge when dropped, or falls with you. The elevation needed is determined by the strength of the firing pin return spring and the material of the pin itself. I'm aware of electrical contact (110) that has caused a discharge.
So if you tell me to keep it in condition 1 under all circumstances, I will not hear you. I also think beyond the end of the barrel and dislike having a round in the chamber, cocked and locked, holstered and pointing at the floor when I know that there are people below that a 45 round could get to. I extend my thinking a little further than some others.
I've carried mil spec 45's since the 60's. It's my choice of cartridge and these days carry a P-14 with 2 extra mags. I always carry with a loaded mag in place and depending on where I am or where I am going, will or will not carry one in the chamber. That's my choice and my prerogative. I drill often enough on draw and slide movement, so I am at peace with an empty chamber. It's a requirement for people with semi auto's to be slide motion trained because Lord forbid when the SHTF and you catch a downward falling brass in an open slide and have a delayed stovepipe.
Now for some fun stuff. I can prove that you can legally carry a loaded shotgun uncased in the front of your vehicle. There are a couple conditions that need to be met, but it is legal. Legally discharging it is another matter entirely, I'm not going there. So if you want to talk paranoid and being forever in condition 1, then just toss that trusty, loaded 12 ga model 12 pump on your front seat and have at it.