I have mixed feelings about this to be honest ...
To begin with, I've actually been knocked off by some impatient cager who decides that "signal-manoevre" within the space of a second is sufficient. However, the police also adjudged me to be equally "impatient" as I was filtering too fast for the conditions.
I took that on the chin and did my NDIS course. Fair enough.
Now, because of that accident, I filter a LOT slower. I also "on occasion" will use main beam when filtering thru traffic when (as someone else put it) there is a higher than average chance of vehicles changing lanes without looking/indicating.
I believe it highlights my presence to them, and if they or anyone else wants to call me a c**t for doing it, then fine ... I'd rather be a live c**t than a dead one
I don't do it all the time however, and after reading some of the other suggestions on here I think I have actually re-evaluated my use of main beam. I will probably use hazards in future when filtering
It fits better with the "defensive riding" ethos, and doesn't p**s other road-users off (except those that believe bikes have no right to be filtering in the first place - to$$ers).