"I've seen very few unarmed fights on the street that didn't end up as a ground fight in the first 30 seconds"
you are talking about one on one fights? The few (street) fights I've seen were gang on gang or gang on one Any one grapplng on the ground in those situations would probably have their heads kicked in in the first minute (This isn't to vilify acquiring skills in groundfighting/grappling. Both are useful skills to have in a well rounded fighter. I would be wary of a style with zero striking however).
The best strategy might be(as with programming) learn many styles (languages), one per important paradigm, and mix and match as the situation (project) warrants)
you are talking about one on one fights? The few (street) fights I've seen were gang on gang or gang on one Any one grapplng on the ground in those situations would probably have their heads kicked in in the first minute (This isn't to vilify acquiring skills in groundfighting/grappling. Both are useful skills to have in a well rounded fighter. I would be wary of a style with zero striking however).
The best strategy might be(as with programming) learn many styles (languages), one per important paradigm, and mix and match as the situation (project) warrants)