Where I ride we have only country roads and stop signs. On a 40 mile ride I might be passed by 5-10 cars. Visibility is excellent all ways and so I typically ride through stop signs if no traffic around. If I approach a sign at the same time as a car approaches, no matter from which direction, then I stop and proceed according to the laws.
I was in Chicago this summer and did a lot of city riding- whole different experience. I was amazed at the number of cyclists blowing through busy intersections and at the number of cops who paid no attention to it. I guess they have more important things to do than ticket cyclists.