so i've read about the sheldon b method of centering the chainring but have yet to try it. any other methods people recommend? do most of you strive for a centered ring or not?

Never cared about it & never had a problem.

I've learned to live with it.

I am currently seeking counseling on this issue, but forgot suddenly when someone put Ginger Ale, cheese in a can, and some water crackers in front of me.

In short - everybody gotta die sometime.

On my single speed/fixed gear bikes I center the chainring. This allows me to get the chain a little tighter without so much of a slack spot. I think this helps keep the chain on. I tried the S. Brown method. I didn't like it. I used shim stock, measured the thicknesses and shimed the ring to the exact center before tightening the bolts all the way down. I super glued the shims in between the flat on the chainring and the shelves on the cranks. If you don't have shim stock and don't have a micrometer, never mind. It was not difficult having the right tools.

I must be the only one?

well i spent about 5 minutes doing sheldons method and got my chainring centered pretty well. it was easier than it sounded.

loosen, rotate, tighten

Yeah.