I totally agree. For me its not practicing a trackstand, but instead the opportunity to get some standing start sprints in - after every light/stop I try to get up to cruising speed as fast as possible.

I don't see traffic control as hinderances, but instead as part of the commuting landscape aka obstical course. I follow all traffic laws, not primarily because I'm a stickler for the law, but instead because for me its the rule book for my commute which I time and track. Once I start breaking one rule, why not another and then how can I compare my best commute times if they are not based on following the same set of rules? One could argue that my 'obstical course' varies due to light timing, traffic conditions, etc. but these are outside variables I have no control over and I've found that over time they average out very well.

Al