I never use the slide release. No way you'll catch me doing it. Fine motor skills are the first to go when SHTF. Big Dumb movements such as weak hand over or weak handed pinching will prevail.
I have been taught to tap, rap and weak hand pinch grip the slide. I makes sense to still maintain muzzle awareness and be able to pump rounds into an aggressor that is closing the gap. I know that with me it also lowers my center of gravity, and makes it easier/ quicker to get into a wide stance. I do this so it's easier to put the non-firing arm up to block a person with a knife or other head smashing equipment. It gives me enough room in front of the muzzle to still fire without depressing the slide rearward and causing a malfunction.
On the chambering issue. I will only chamber a round from the magazine, safe my weapon and then top off the mag. Most companies advertise the pistol as a mag capacity (whatever the mag capacity is)+1. I do it and it works with my ammo and my pistols.
I'm no expert, just do what I'm told and practice, practice and practice.
