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@pajamas
I think John makes a really good point here which if I can widen it out a bit is basically: some of the manoeuvres which are counter-intuitive, seemingly reckless and involve some courage are the ones you've got to get wired in London. Lane switching can be in the face of truly intimidating traffic flow (where even car drivers can be intimidated, let alone cyclists) and to get where you need to be you can be riding one handed, exaggerating signalling and looking backwards at the two or three vehicles behind as they speed towards you, just to get them to slow down so that you can move in the time and distance. Your handlebars kick and buck and you still have to be in the mix because those vehicles have to realise you're waiting for them to get the message that you're moving. In many ways doing the same route day in day out and learning the best way to do it is the only way to master it. Maybe try it out at night a few times when the traffic's not so bad so at least you have your moves sorted out.
The problems arise when some absolute tool makes a move like the one julio describes because they think you're being a cocky twat getting all uppity on his two-wheeler, when all you're doing is riding to equal the traffic. Sympathies out to you Julio, I find this kind of incident shakes me up far more than a near-miss with a car or bus.
It's not easy.