I use the thicker rubber thorn resistant tubes and haven't gotten a flat for 35,000+ miles on my road bike. I also don't get flats on my MTB with them but there, and on my road comfort bike, I use plastic tire liners that fit between the tire and the tube.

I use these tubes for one reason, I want to ride, not get flats. I do have multiple wheel sets and have a faster wheelset with regular tubes and Vittoria Open Corsa EVO tires for faster rides.

I have repaired many a tube and have never had a problem. I scuff the area well with sandpaper and then put the glue on and let it dry for a few minutes until it's tacky. I make sure the glue is wider than the edge of the patch. I put the patch on then I press the patch down by rolling it with a round tire lever. I've used both the glue in the patch kits though at home what I prefer for economical reasons is a can of tire patch glue from the auto parts store. You want the glue to say vulcanizing which means melting rubber, you'll get a better seal.