I use signals, but I don't do the "stopping" one, and I use my right arm for the right signal. I agree that most people don't have a clue what you mean when you use the left arm right turn signal.

The only place I have been where people know what all the signals mean is middle of nowhere alabama where my dad lives, because they use them on the tractors when on the road and in vehicles with the signals out.

At 4 way stops, it seems to completely confuse the drivers if I wait for them to go. I tend to make eye contact to be sure they see me, and then start to go. Most of the time they wave me through anyways. Even the fact that I stop at the sign at all seems to be very confusing for them.