I can't speak to what others do, but only to what I do.
First and foremost I would imagine this issue is most likely most applicable to those folks looking to log a FTF . . . although I suspect it could also apply to someone who wants to get a particular TB, geocoin or trade good for their collection.
I personally log my find as soon as possible, which is usually when I get home or the next morning if it is late . . . but this is just me. Since I have only had a few FTFs this is not such a big issue.
The way I look at it . . . you take your chances when you head out hoping to get the FTF . . . you may be beat to the cache by minutes, hours or even days depending on when the GCer logs their find.
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the realization that there is something more important than fear."
"Death is only one of many ways to die."