Unamplified audience or amplified on-stage, I like coincident, near-coincident and split techniques. For PA audience, I prefer coincident and am not terribly of near-coincident. I don't think I've tried my 414s split in the audience yet, so can't speak to that one.
Coincident: XY, M/S, Blumlein
Near-coincident: ORTF, DIN, DINA and variants
Split: AB (obviously)
Really, it's all going to come down to what your ears like. Over time, try 'em all and see what you like.