Dave, I have never really liked the tactical dongs that get put on everything. I think that they are in the way and too far forward to be of any use. What I am doing may not be right, but at close range it feels good to me. The idea being to keep my arms as close in as I can (having less to support further from my chest) and pulling the rifle in at the same time. When going from low to high it feels better and faster. I am a redneck and this may be as wrong as being a tea boy on Thursday night, but I like it (not the tea boy part).
I am sans beard now. I had to cut about an inch off the bottom a few weeks ago because wearing a dress shirt became a PITA.
