I prefer glue because they stick way better but the pre-glued work. I rode a 100 miles ride on 2 patched tubes and no problems. I usually heat the pre-glued ones just a little using a lighter the mash them down before it cools. Works like a charm. Otherwise they don't stick for crap. As for how many times i will patch..it depends on if i think the patch will be reliable. Of course i wouldn't ride with a bunch of patches on my tubes but a few are ok.