As far as the bike light thingy, having seen a few videos of bike riders going in and out of shade, both with and without a rear light, I decided to use a rear light, in blinky mode, all the time. Not every one agrees, but I feel better doing it.

Anecdotally, with the front light in blinky mode, more drivers have yielded to me (sometimes even when I was stopped, and they had the right of way) than when I was using no light. Insufficient data to draw conclusions, just my observations so far.

I understand that in Germany, blinking lights are banned, as they believe they are a negative especially at night, but I don't ride at night at this point.

I am currently wearing an orange vest, so I can choose my clothes for comfort without regard to visibility. I agree that black tends to fade to near invisibility.

This is NOT advice, as I don't have enough personal experience to feel qualified to offer any. Just my limited experience.