As I read that part of your post it got me thinking. If I did merge left and as I look up I see the light changing and I know I can't make it so I slow down. Driver going 45 figures he has plenty of time but didn't see me merge over so he guns it to make the light. I become a huge gnat on his windshield hand signal that I am stopping or not. That would not make anybody's day I think. That is why I stay right. The right turn guys are gonna slow up regardless of the light color because they gotta turn. Then if I do encounter the red I scoot to the left of the right lane and wave any other guys by. They seem to appreciate the gesture and I get to make it home safely.

Just my .02 again.