1st gear, left hand clutch, left foot down, right hand brake and/or gas, right foot on brake eyes on the mirrors.
I do this except for foot on brake. If I am on an incline, I will hold brake with front brake. It is more comfortable and stable to have both feet on ground. And what if you put your left foot down into something slippery, that was difficult to see, like sand at night? I don't see any advantage to braking with foot while stopped. If emergency maneuver is required I will just raise both feet simultaneously. As far as checking mirrors, I do that constantly. Scanning the rear every few seconds is a habit I acquired learning to drive in NYC. You better know where all the players are so you can run the gauntlet.
Always 1st gear. Don`t put my truck in neutral either. Used to ride with a guy who always used neutral... 25% of the time i would take off and he would sit there cuz he forget he was in neutral. To each his own.
i usually time myself coming onto the stop light/rolling into...if i dont have to stop...i dont...but usually, neutral...just habit...most especially in urban areas...plenty of stop and go...