Guys this is what I do, tell me if I’m doing something wrong. Baitcaster, drag set with a little give but not much (moderate tension). Set the hook with pop and just reel her in. I usually never have to loosen the drag unless I’m pulling in 3lb plus or grass. Running 30 lb braid and 10-15lb fluro leader.  I’m usually fishing heavy cover from the shore. I thumb the bc tight, then set the hook.  On spinning, I pretty much do the same thing but with a bit less tension. I want to be able to set the hook and then decrease tension to support a lighter line. Usually running straight fluro 6-10lb. I brace the spool with finger and thumb, set the hook. I use drag to tire the fish or simply manage the line tension if needed. 
 

Ive had people tell me that you should keep the drag pretty loose, set the hook and continue to wear them down. That makes no sense to me when setting a hook. How do you differ with your reels and technique? I feel I’m doing it the best way, but perhaps I’m wrong. 

Unless you are losing fish, keep doing what you are doing. Just because you might do it differently than someone else, doesn't mean you are doing it wrong. 

I’m going to add with plastics, I feel like I need extra power as well on the hook set. I’m just curious of the proper way, to me this has been the way I learned. Unless the rod isn’t in my hand, tight lines!

I set the drag to protect the line.  Maybe around half to three quarters the weight of the line.  I rarely adjust it afterwards, though sometimes if I'm caught up on something, I'll tighten it up.  To me, that was always the point of drag.