WRGADog,
I completely understand the hesitancy and can respect your decision, to make a decision about your gun. Much respect.
I have however chosen to carry 1911s locked and cocked, (when fully dressed, when in short and t-shirt I carry a glock that isn't locked, just 1/2 cocked.....)
But honestly, if you do the research and fully understand how the thumb safety blocks the hammer, controls the sear, and even if swept off and a hammer follow resulted the 2nd notch is in place, honestly thousands of soldiers and a hundred years of experience doing it that way can't be wrong.
Either way, I not only ask you to carry safely, but also respectfully request that you continue to carry. I don't feel safe when I see government goons running around with guns, but there is a certain warm feeling of security that comes over me when I see a citizen open carrying, or if I notice a concealed holster. When the people are armed, and not just the criminals, (or government, oops, same thing........) then I just feel better. Thank you for making my America a safer place, whichever platform you decide to do it with.