[TonyF]

These lethal threat encounters are dynamic and fluid so there is no "one size fits all" approach. Sure, you can generalize to an extent in a discussion forum but it probably won't be of much benefit with respect to an actual encounter.

We can hope for the best and trust our fate to lady luck or we can embark upon a pathway to proficiency.

Here is the generally accepted "pathway".

1. Achieve "unconscious competence" (e.g. gun handling and marksmanship) with our weapon(s) platform of choice.

2. Learn something about tactics through experiences in outdoor and indoor simulators.

3. Begin the process of learning how to apply tactics in FoF training.

Reacting (applying tactics) to a threat in a dynamic lethal threat encounter is more of an art than a science.

Hick's Law will indeed apply unless you commit to proceeding down the "pathway". Think of it in terms of martial arts. After learning and practicing the techniques, in a real fight you will (hopefully) "instinctively react" with the proper technique to counter a punch or a kick. IOW, you won't have the luxury of time to "think through" a course of action. Same goes for a lethal threat encounter.

It's about applying tactics to gain a tactical advantage over your adversary. There are five tactical principles that to the uninitiated will seem abstract and nonsensical until you experience your first tactical (indoor / outdoor) simulator.