If I don't see any cars, I slow down at stop signs to the point where I could stop quite shortly if need be, then scan all directions and will roll through if there's no other traffic.
Basically treating it like a yield.
Naturally, if there are other vehicles at or approaching the intersection, I stop and wait my turn to go through - not only is this the law, it's just safer that way.

+1 on the comment that drivers will sometimes wave you through because you're acting sensible and predictable.

I always stop at red lights.
I narrowly avoided getting completely taken out by a car about 13 years ago by not doing so, and I decided to not push my luck and never make that same mistake again.