I agree that running the hypotenuse of a triangle is undoubtedly faster than running the two legs, given the same speed.
I am far from a SME on the matter, but it seems to me that in potential defensive situations involving drawing your firearms, there are a number of reasons why it might be good to have the automated response (the draw) involve a close-in retention position and/or a compressed ready position built in. Not sure if I'm using the right term, so what I mean by "compressed ready" is the pistol pointed forward, located somewhere around wrist(s) touching sternum, maybe even a little higher, elbows tucked into the torso.
It seems to me that conflicts generally occur closer than many people assume they do. I also spend most of my time in a densely populated urban environment. That my influence my thinking.
What are your thoughts?