For me, it depends on the situation.

Stop signs with great view: coast up to the sign while covering brakes. As soon as I know it is clear, I go.

Stop signs without good view: I slow to a pace that I can stop within inches of applying the brake.

Stop lights: I ALWAYS OBEY. I will watch the light and when the crossing light is about to turn red and is clear of traffic, I will get a rolling start before my light turns green. Even if the light has no traffic, I sit there until the light changes. I sometimes have to hit the crosswalk button to get the light to change, but I always obey the light.