For night riding, I think single lights on constant are a bad idea; I think they blend into all of the other lights (they can look like distant car lights or background decorative lighting). But you will want a big light on the front to light up the road. So my solution is a big headlight on front to see the road with (300+ lumens, but as you get to 1000 or so it becomes blinding)(bonus: helmet-mount it so people see you moving it around, or so you can direct it) , a secondary cheap blinking headlight to grab attention, and at least one blinking taillight (something like a Superflash or Cherry Bomb).

Though if you want to split the difference, some companies made taillights that pulse. My Light & Motion Vis 180 is great for group rides, because the pulse is bright, but isn't aggravating on the eyes of people behind me.

If you really have trouble remembering to turn on lights, there are small automatic lights like Cateye's Refex series for your front and rear flashers, and then get a hub dynamo and headlight for your bigger front beam.

Or get a front a rear set that mounts to your helmet (like the Light and Motion Vis 360) and set it up in such a way that you'll remember to turn the light on when you put your helmet on.

For day riding, I don't feel that steady lights do anything much at all. A very bright headlight and/or taillight set to flash is nice if you're riding on long highway style roads, but for most urban/suburban riding you'll probably usually be close/slow enough that they'll be able to see you already.