What are the thoughts about leaving the bolt snap off? Am I going to die a slow and painful death? Will the scuba police swoop down and arrest me on the spot?
Yes, both of these will happen. Although I seem to be in the minority here, so clearly it's just a matter of time before these bad things happen to me as well! I don't use one on my long hose. On the boat, the hose stays wrapped around my manifold. In the water, I keep it tucked in my belt and it stays put nicely for gas switches. It's usually in my mouth while exiting the water. If I happen to be breathing a stage when exiting, I just do a quick check before climbing the ladder to make sure it's stowed properly and and on a short dangle over my right shoulder. Works great.