[Pseudoscience-is-malarkey (OP)]

If I'm White, PAWN to C4 always makes the most sense to me.

[Eternal Student]

Hi.

   Yes, that's a decent move, it's about the 4th most common opening move for white.   It's the main feature of the "English Opening".

   In games against unknown opponents I will always tend to just push the pawn in the front of the King and quickly try to take the knights forward and centre.  It's ever-so conventional and un-original.  Let's say pawn to e4  is my most common opening move.   I look upon the whole thing as simply gathering information about the opponent and not ever attempting to take an early win.  You're looking for their blind side and trying not to reveal too much of your own weaknesses.

    Against an opponent that I already know, I will deliberately mix things up a bit.  So pawn to g3 and set up to Fianchetto the bishop.   Switch that to the Queen's side if you know the other player only has sight in one eye etc.

    A decision to make a different opening move isn't one that I would make just at the table, it's a decision you should make when you are away from the table and have the time to study the theory for that opening move.   Better players (which I'm not) already have a decent repertoire in their memory.

  Best Wishes.

[Bored chemist]

I resign + go to the pub.