I also always use the slider to engage silent mode, but thanks to Goldsquare's tip, I'm going to try to remember to use the long press power button to do that from now on. Somehow I never really absorbed that there was a silent mode setting on the power off menu even though I've used it to switch to airplane mode lots.

My main apps:
Key Ring - replace store loyalty cards
Timeriffic - schedule WiFi & ringer on/off times
MyFitnessPal - Diet Tracker
Evernote - sync notes between machines

My games of choice: Cut The Rope & Peggle