Then of course there are the older members all full of themselves who have it all figured out about how all cyclists who aren't like themselves are too lazy/weak/tired, stupid and inept.

The basic fact is that not every law makes sense in all circumstances, but we follow them anyway, not blindly, but out of respect for the process. Following all the signals makes my cycling more predictable and hopefully safer. I have never had any trouble with cars when I follow the signal or filtering to the front.