I can tell you from my own experience that I've found the debates here very useful. They have had a direct impact on the way I ride, there is absolutely no question. Part of it is simply that it has made me think more about what I do and the way I do it. Ever since I started riding, I was told that bikes are vehicles, just like cars, but--beyond observing traffic signals--I never really considered what that meant. Now I think about it all the time and put those thoughts to use in my riding.

Frankly, I'm still not certain where I stand on the VC, bike lanes, WOL, etc., debate. I've found many of the concepts useful, though. Whether you realize it or not, I think you've been performing a service.