Originally Posted by ortcutt

I don't think that a hostile motorist's intentions and desires are obvious, even to himself; so if there is a "game" that the motorist aims to "win," I'd have no idea what the rules of the game would be, or what would constitute "winning." This is why I see no point in shouting out snappy comebacks, or otherwise aiming to confuse or embarrass a person who is already unhinged by his irrationality. I keep my mouth shut and keep riding in a predictable and confident manner.
You and I would probably deal similarly with an angry motorist in most cases. If there's a difference in practice, it would have to do with cases in which you, but not I, would decide to rise somehow to the "challenge" brought on by a complete stranger who will vanish down the road in a few seconds.