I pretty well agree with the OP here, after going through the same thoughts and dealing with similar traffic conditions. Where I differ is weekend twisty riding, which I LOVE doing with a group of talented riders. The commute isn't much of a pleasure ride, even though I'm on the bike, it's nothing like going out and hitting some good roads, it's merely an economical (questionable) way of getting back and forth to work. Also, I'm ATGATT even for the commute. I rode about 3 miles Monday night without my jacket and riding pants, and I was VERY uncomfortable. I had my helmet and gloves on and still didn't feel right. I didn't top 55 mph in a stretch of road that I've been riding almost daily since I started riding, where I normally go faster than the not-posted speed limit.