taking the lane
My experience on my most recent USA tour, and countless tours before that, is that the vast majority of drivers (especially truck drivers) are so remarkably courteous that they cut over into the oncoming lane (or into the 2nd, 'passing' lane, if there is one) 99% of the time, even if I am well inside the shoulder and many times even if the view of the road ahead is not all that clear. So I find 'taking the lane' is not that necessary in most cases.
Now, when riding in cities or developed suburbs, I think I am much closer to many other readers on this board who say---if you are gonna take the lane, take the lane! and don't be subtle about it. I think this assertiveness is more professional, and understandable by drivers, than trying to 'squeeze enough to the left to get by a parked car but stay far enough to the right to let people pass.'
roughstuff