I pull the slide back and release it (sometimes guilty of riding it back with my hand which is a bad habit). The argument against using the slide stop/release, is that it's a fine motor skill that will be lost when engaged in a deadly defense scenario, and using the "sling shot method" will contribute to muscle memory with it's constant practice. There's argument against this, as some say that the "sling shot" method is also a fine motor skill, and then those that say you don't lose fine motor skills in an adrenaline fueled event. So there's many opinions on which is right or wrong. I linked an article that makes the case of NOT using the slide stop/release, but I'm sure articles could be found saying the opposite.
The defensive shooter should train to ingrain skills that will work best under duress. The slingshot method of facilitating slide release works for clearing malfunctions as well as recharging the firearm—one motion covers two functions.
www.shootingillustrated.com