My reaction is that you've done the appropriate thing in the first place and scoped out a route that improves your cycling amenity. Provided you are aware of associated risks and it's legal, there is no reason why you shouldn't continue to use it. Take the lanes as you need to, watch of ped traffic, watch for other vehicular traffic, and always have an escape plan in mind. Vehicular cycling doesn't mean you have to ride on the road all the time -- vehicles do drive elsewhere (and FWIW, I am taking to the term, Traffic Cycling rather than vehicular cycling...)

I once had to take a defensive driving course. One of the topics were that mall parking lots are private property. The laws that you think of as being applicable don't actually apply.

Their point was that you have to be extremely careful. The most minor of accidents can become the most ridiculous of lawsuits.

I encourage extreme caution!