I aways patch tubes when they can be. And shhh, I also use glueless patches! And keep those patched tubes in my tires.

I did see a cyclist at a bike store with a expensive bike that he took in to have a flat fixed!!!! Good god, the guy was in his 40's and couldn't fix a flat? Probably called his mommy to come get him when he went flat! People like that should find another hobby!!!!