Right just to add my view, excuse me if I repeat any thing but I have only scanned the topics.
Filtering between lanes is fine if your sensible. when I do it I have the full beam on and always assume a car is going to switch lanes at the last minute, but thats the risk you take going between traffic!
Its the same as traffic lights, why wait for the que to go down when you can go to the front of the que with no problem. The people behind you don't have to wait any longer because your at the front. B)
As for the biker punching your mirror ok its out of order but if you pulled out on him and caused him danger then I would probably do the same thing in the heat of the moment, obviously we've only heard your side (not that I'm sticking up for the bike :winky: )