I tend to only "take the lane" when i have to...like in construction situations. But Boise has some great bike lanes. If I don't have a bike lane, I am at least 2-3 feet out there.

I also find that I am less likely to want to take the lane if I have filtered my way up past a bunch of cars at a stop light. For some reason, passing them and then making them wait for me seems a little 'not right'.

I think your observation is spot-on. Congratulations for picking it up so fast. It usually takes people much longer to overcome that fear.