I think it depends on the state. I take the lane if I feel that a situation is out of hand and there's no way around it. I do believe that if it's one lane, and you are obstructing traffic for more than something like 5 cars, you have to pull over. Otherwise, you should stay to the right, but if you feel like you have to take the lane, then take the lane. I only take the lane if things look like they're getting out of control, like when I feel like cars are trying to squeeze me off the road. Then I take the lane and just ride it until they get the point. There is always plenty of room for the both of us if I stick to the right, and until they figure it out, my frame of mind is to take the lane if they try to crowd me out of it.
Koffee