I used to get flats all the time in the WA desert. My worst commute was 2 flats on the way to work and 1 more on the way home.

Patches leak. Un-patched tubes need topping off with the pump appx monthly. Or less. Patched tubes...at least weekly but usually daily. Wasn't worth it.

I made two changes. Put gatorskins on with slime strips and I stopped riding the shoulder. Haven't had a flat in 2,000 miles since.

To further test it, after I switched to a new bike...I didn't do anything for flat protection except avoid the shoulder. And THAT was 4 years and oh so many miles ago. No flats.

My wheel goes where the car's passenger wheel goes. I pull over briefly on 2 lane roads when two cars are passing and get immediately back in the lane. I avoid major highways - but ride the white line then if needed. But those are no fun anyway with 70mph speed limits!