Thanks for sharing. Agree it's a good idea to be flexible depending on the traffic, day and time.
Re the bus problem, I found that the most accident-prone tiem is when a bus is about to leave a stop, especially if it's a careless driver who doesn't pay enough attention to the mirror. Now I usually let them go and don't rush to pass, since I read about the fatal accident this past January.
Do not be afraid to give a solid side of the fist blow to the side panel of a bus pulling out into you. The real problem with buses is their length which allows them to slowly wedge you farther out of your line, possibly putting you into the infamous "disappearing lane" reminiscent of Poe.
BTW- go up to some stopped to idle buses and rap on their sides, so you can learn where the sweet spot is.