Some more food for thought on this (not at all trying to take sides or start an argument). Not sure there is right answer and/or a time when the rules can/should be broken.
- If your searching for the bad guy, using your WML, in your home, a dark alley, a cave, wherever, you are technically violating rule #2. I don't think there is any questioning that on it's face. But obviously in a life or death situation it's not all black and white. Are there other options? Sure. Are there better, safer options? Maybe, maybe not.
- If you choose to use a hand held flashlight and have your firearm in the other, are you going to make as accurate a shot than if you were using two hands on the firearm and be able to get back on target as quickly and accurately for a potential follow up shot? Rule #2 is not being violated in this instance but might be compromising your accuracy and effectiveness. I definitley shoot better with two hands. Sure there are ways to hold the hand held flashlight and use the flashlight hand to help support the firearm but is it as effective as gripping with both hands? I am sure there are some folks out there that are very accurate, steady and competent with one handed shooting. I would bet the vast majority of us are much more accurate and competent using both hands.
- When using a WML will the stress of the situation cause you fire at the first moving thing you see/hear - your dog, your kid in bed? I believe this is unlikely as you know where your kids sleep and where the dog(s) sleep. The bad guy is unlikley to be in bed with your kid or petting your dog. If you have a dog, it's probably going to find the bad guy for you (and get a head start putting some holes in him) and then you will know where to place your light and your shot.
- When using a hand held flashlight, will the stress of the situation cause you to fire at the floor or wherever your firearm is pointed when you hear/see something?
- What would be your tendency to point the firearm in the same direction as the handheld flashlight when in a stressful situation that most of us have never been in?
- If your taking a walk around your neighborhood at night, there is generally some light. I live in the suburbs, no street lights but people have their porch/entryway lights on, motion lights in their driveways, post lights on the lawn. So, if a bad guy was to approach, I wouldn't need the flashlight/WML at all, it would be a quick draw and fire directly at the threat. Not like someone is going to try to pick me off with sniper rifle from a neighbors back yard or roof top. If they do I am screwed anyway, I will never see it coming.
- If you live in a rural area with no light or out in the back country where big critters want to eat or stomp your a**, then you are potentially back to violating rule #2 and rule #4. We are talking about personal defense with a handgun, so theoretically rule #4 should not be much of an issue unless there are others nearby, out buildings, livestock and the like. But if it's my life or someones farm animal, I will make restitution for the animal.
I could go on and on with various scenarios. I think you have to do what's comfortable and practical for you. The rules may get violated in a stressful life or death situation. I would rather violate the rule than be dead. People who have actually been through encounter such as this may be able to shed some insight into what acutally happens in the moment. Again, not trying to say anyone here is right or wrong, just throwing out ideas for thought and discussion.