Right, Pete. Similarly, the only time I ever proceed (after first stopping ... I always stop) at a red light is where the road narrows beyond the intersection. In this way, I beat the traffic and I'm safer as a result, and the drivers have less negotiating to do.
I do, however, slow but don't typically stop at red lights at 'T's, where there is no travel lane to the right of me. I am cautious of merging traffic in this case, however.
At stop signs I do the same thing you do. I'll often use a car as a shield if the timing is right.