For new tubes I don't add any air when installing, just open the valve. Once every thing is on, give it a visual check to make sure the tube is inside the tire, and the bead is inside the rim. Then add a few pounds of air, enough so the bead is in place, check again. If it looks ok, air it up, and ride away.
Yup tubes get patched. I'll wait till I have a few that need repair, then have a patching session. I also label the tubes, so my wife knows which tube to use for which bike. Every so often I'll buy 2 or three tubes, usually before an organised ride, so I have a fresh one in the seat bag.
After 4 or 5 patches, it will go out of rotation.