1. Elbow in the rib mode - only soft, weak untrained wimps use red dots optics on pistols : ). Tired of getting ass kicked at local matches. I usually take first place in my division, but that is not saying much when the only person not shooting carry optics just started out in the sports a week ago.
This is the way I see it. People train, compete, the same way they will carry, shoot in a real life situation. At least I would hope so. I carry an optic because I started having trouble focusing on the sights/target. And this was magnified at night regardless of running night sights. With an optic, I have no problems and can remain totally target focused. I've been shooting a PMO (pistol mounted optic) for almost 3 years, took a few classes where I shot with it including a 5 day Gunsite 250 Red Dot Class. I'm very comfortable with shooting with it that I've gone PMO on two of my other pistols now.
2. I have heard that some police departments do not allow officers to use red dot optics for two reasons; one is that in the event of rain splashing on the lens the red dot scatters or becomes multiple red dots - causing confusion, and that if an officer was in a very cold environment, such as an air conditioned vehicle and then stepped out into a hot highly humid environment the lens can fog up. IMHO this particular issue could be avoided by the right lens coating application, but I am no expert on the subject.
I say it comes down to training. The rain/water/fog issues can all be addressed. An enclosed emitter tends to fix a lot of this. When I took the Gunsite 250 Red Dot class, one of the drills we did was actually spraying water into our optic to simulate just that. Yes it's harder to see but usable. And all goes away after the first shot. Go figure that slide recoil clears the water out of the optic
3. I have noticed at matches that the shooters will always check and sometimes turn on the optic after the "Shooter Make Ready" command at matches. This will not be a survival-able option for you if the goblins pay you a visit in a real life encounter. Not necessary with standard iron sights despite their supposed short comings.
If they are doing that during matches, they are doing something wrong. Other than the first Gen Aimpoint Acro's (P1), almost every dot I know of has a battery life measured in months if not years. I have yet to change the batteries on mine but will soon. I know some people say to change it every year, but my Holosun's also have a solar backup that extends the life. Regardless, I will be changing them next year on my birthday (have it marked on my calendar app on my phone).