If you got 3 flats on one ride, someone is trying to tell you something.

For long rides, I take a pump (Topeak road morph).

When I ride with CO2 I understand that there is a point where I may not have enough to fill the tires. My thoughts are that if it gets to that point, call someone for a ride, I can take a hint.

Both CO2 and pumps have their places, you just have to understand the roles of each one.