How do YOU determine EI?

I'm sure many of you have personal EI's for film/developer combinations.

How, exactly, did you arrive at these times?

If left to my own devices, I would simply set up a well-lit kodak reference card (with a full grey scale), a grey card in the same position for a meter reading (removed to expose the ref. card) with the film and filter I plan on using. I would make many exposures in increments, repeating for a few rolls, each being processed for more and less time than recommended, and of course, one at the recommended time. I would find the nicest neg on each roll, and compare those 3-5 negs by printing and whichever roll (time) gave the best range of tones would be it! The other rolls would give me an idea of EI's for higher and lower contrast scenes.

Or is this too complicated? Any easier ways?

I don't want textbook answers, just your experience.

Thanks immensely in advance-

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