>

That's why you're taught not to pull up directly behind a car when riding a motorcycle.  You pull off to the side so that you can possibly scoot by the car if needed, or if you do get hit from behind it will push you past the car in front of you and not into it.
There are whole countries where motorcycles are the primary mode of transportation and outnumber cars… you get used to it. You don’t have to drive like an idiot or too fast. It’s a phenomenal way to get up and down rough terrain in mountainous areas. >

Pretty much what I was gonna say. Versatility, especially in a congested urban environment like mine, is a godsend. Really is a case of “the bad apples spoil the bunch” because there are millions and millions of people who drive their bike safely (without lane filtering) and don’t have loud pipes. >

lane filtering is unsafe? >

No it’s actually safer in most cases if done correctly. >

I've known two people killed in motorcycle accidents and one who suffered irreparable brain damage.  None of them were at fault in these accident, just other drivers not paying attention. >

Other drivers is one of the biggest reasons I wouldn't get a motorcycle (the other being Michigan weather).
My car was totaled last year when I got rear-ended while waiting for a traffic light to change.  I had been stopped for a bit so it wasn't like I slammed on my brakes and the guy behind me couldn't stop in time.  He was just looking at his phone or something instead of looking at the road.
Luckily, I was only sore for a couple days with no major injuries.  If I had been on a motorcycle, I'm pretty sure I'd have at least broken something if not worse. >

If your car was totaled, you would have been too.
From what I understand, most motorcycle fatalities are from exactly what you describe. Not entirely sure tho. >

There would have been a pretty good chance of being squished between two vehicles.  My car did get pushed into the car in front of me.
The repair estimate was over $6k so they considered it totaled and paid out about $8.5k.