Serge... I finally read the darn thing and have concluded I am a VC rider... as defined by "The Theory of Big."
I have long long believed in "Big." For years I have done a number of things that are specifically outlined as "adding points."
For instance I ride a large bike, with fat tires (1 inch... but will go up to 1.75 on my bike). I ride with wide flat handle bars, I ride upright. I wear bright floppy clothing... OK, orange long sleeve T shirts and orange and brightgreen vest. I almost always ride with panniers... I make large gestures... I mean I point to drivers and get their attention and tell them where I am going... even if it means knocking on windows. I flare up to make myself BIG... (think of those lizards that "flare") for instance, I was in a line of autos the other day that were merging into Costa Verde shopping center... I was "just another car," but to make sure others saw me... I was out of the saddle, standing up with my elbows out... being BIG.
I do ride in bike lanes... except approaching driveways, parked cars and intersections (collision points)... there, I signal and merge and take lanes. I have lots of bright lights on my bike. I wear a helmet.
I indicate where I intend to go by my position in the lane and my indications to drivers. (I hate auto drivers that seem to use telepathy for their intentions)
I still prefer a place on the side of the road where I can get out of the main flow of fast traffic... be it a bike lane or wide curb lane.
BTW for years I have taken lanes when and where needed... but I just feel that I am doing that because the road/bike lanes have been designed poorly or do not exist.