Why does this have to be an either/or thing. We need to be cautious while asserting our right to be on the road and at the same time obey all traffic laws. If we want to be treated like vehicles, we must act like vehicles which means being bound by the same laws that motorists are bound by.
And remember, bike vs. car, bike loses. It doesn't matter whether you were dead right or dead wrong, you're still DEAD.