Okay, I will concede that passing slow and stopped traffic at 20 mph is very stupid and not something I ever do anymore. It was a necessary evil when I was a messenger, but hopefully I've learned something since then. That being said, I don't see the problem with passing on the right at about 12mph.

As far as the left turners from oncoming traffic I get this one when I'm riding far out into the lane, With today's massive SUV's it is easy to end up hidden from view.

The bumper to bumper traffic is, in my opinion, where the benefits of BL's shine. I pay property taxes and am not hauling two tons of metal around with me or contributing to smog, there should be some benefit that comes with that. The benefit in my mind is a route around traffic. I personally think the safety issue is a draw when it comes to BL's, but when traffic backs up or the speed differential is really high, it is very nice to just zoom along in the BL.

I love sharing the fact with my coworkers that it takes longer to drive to my work then to bike.