In $5 and $10 SnGs, i truly believe blind stealing is the key to winning consistently. Can't comment on the higher stake games, i ain't a regular at those. 3xBB is often too transparent even in low stakes SnGs. I think mixing 3, 4, and 5xBB is the most effective.
It is easy to put yourself in the bubble when you are playing low stakes SnGs. But the problem always lies in finishing ITM. You play tight aggressive (without blind stealing) and you'll most likely make more $ than lose in the long run, but it's tough to see good per hour earnings that way. You ask any idiot who steals blinds more often than the general poker population, he'll tell you success rate is always higher than failures. Even if you have 60% success rate at stealing blinds, you still come out winner more often. We all know when the game gets short handed most hands dealt out there are garbage, or at least not enough of a hand to call 3 or 4xBB raise. Why not take advantage of that? Somtimes fishes call raises preflop just to fold on the flop, they figure they won't be bullied and they call knowing they'll fold on the flop unless they get a miracle flop. If you are reraised, fold, not a tough thing to do. If you are short stacked and committed by failing to steal blind, fxxx it, AI. The bottom line, you would have built a substantial amount of chips by the time someone figures you out and develops the balls to call you. They might pick the wrong time though, this time you might really be holding something. You get good action (not necessarily more of course) stealing blinds. Your opponents get tired of you stealing and they end up calling with their garbage. You put yourself in a good position to finish ITM and probably won't have to settle for 3rd. Other players will not dare to steal from you, you don't like attempting steal on an aggressive player. All of a sudden, they won't touch you unless they are holding premium hands. You gotta steal blinds if you want to win consistently, playing rock only gets you so far.
As far 4xBB to 5xBB raise are concerned, low stake SnG players are catching up with the idea of stealing with 3xBB... there's no doubt in my mind higher stakes would challenge that kind of raise.