This is how I was taught (after 5-6 yrs of quilting), just recently by a Lady whose seams ALWAYS match and she ALWAYS has points. I make sure my first pin is 'in' the seam and then pin on either side. She has taught me a lot and made my piecing so much better than it was!

I pin anyway I can reach where I am going. I lay my quilt on top of my bed and pin from all sides. Why would it matter where the pins are. You take them out as you come to them

I pin perpendicular. Way back in college, a sewing instructor said to always do it that way when sewing seams because it causes distortion when done parallel.

Depends on the fabric for me.

There is no "proper"way.Just do what works.

I see the value in "using the pin as a stitch", but don't understand how to pin close enough without the foot running over the pin, causing uneven sewing, (parallel pinning).

It all depends on my mood... ;-)

I pin the same way.

I use the U shaped pins for intersections. That puts a pin on each side and they are tied together so they don't move. The improvement in my intersections and points is amazing! They are a bit expensive but worth every penny IMHO.

I learned waaaay back in high school home ec to pin perpendicular (up & down). All these yrs. later, I still pin that way.