I've never heard of anyone getting rear ended on a bike at a light, but I'm sure it has happened somewhere! Sounds like a good idea about stopping a few feet ahead.

I sometimes stop on the right side, so I can put my right foot on the curb, but I've noticed it sometimes confuses motorists behind me when they're trying to turn right, and who wants a confused motorist! It's probably better to do it the way you do.