I mostly carry an M&P9c which does have a rail.
I don't carry a rail-light or laser at any time.
I do carry a handheld LED flashlight, which so far is used 100% of the time for other things, but would work just fine as an investigation/aiming light if need be, using any one of several flashlight techniques developed before mounted lights became common.
I don't think the presence or absence of a rail matters much on a CCW pistol, unless you are definitely going to use the rail. I don't think most CCW defensive scenarios would provide time and reason to install a separate light onto the pistol - if you have that much time, you're probably going to be leaving the area or calling 911.
BTW, why do you have a signature line quote from the future? (April 14, 2011)