I tested my IC with the hose clamps on it, before using it for the first time... Just needed to make sure they were secured properly and zero leaks. Not to say the tubing won't [eventually] leak given enough time and use, but that's the case with almost anything you make.
I did want to use compression fittings on the IC, but couldn't get them to seal (don't have the flaring tool, wasn't about to get one for two fittings and then never use it again)...
I'm using the PVC reinforced tubing on my IC, so it's more rigid than your typical tubing, plus stronger... Good wall thickness too. I slipped a good 3/4" over the ends of the IC before securing with the hose clamps. Anytime I make any alterations to my IC, I do a test run with it (at full water flow)... Just to make sure things are 100%...
I also have the out tubing going directly into the sink drain, to ensure it doesn't go where it's not supposed to... The pot usually gets placed right next to the sink, so pretty much zero chance of getting burned... When I start chilling outside, I will have the out end of the tubing as far from me as I can get it. With ~13' of tubing there, shouldn't be an issue.
From what I've seen, most IC's are set up with the same tubing used for racking canes and such... Not sure if it was my tubing selection (more expensive than the copper tubing actually) or not, but haven't had any leaks when it's been in use. I do have a barb fitting in the tubing (about 1/2 way down one of them) since I had less length initially (was only on the out when I started, before I went the way I did)... I could switch that line to the water feed, and place another chiller in line, if I need to pre-chill the feed water. Or, pull the tubing apart there, to have a shorter out tube...
I think if you properly think things out, and get good materials, you don't need to go to such extremes as soldering barbs onto the IC itself. My IC has the same low (if any) flow restriction that going to that level offers, without going through all that work. Besides, I'd need to be damned sure of those solders before I would use the IC with them... That's all you need is a pinhole leak to develop and you're spraying tap water into your wort... Granted, most of us are right there when it's cooling down, within easy reach of the faucet...