sounds like an enjoyable evening. The sensor wires here I find are sensitive in most spots, if I can manage it I put the position of the bike where the “wire” is just to the left of my tire. I know it’s different state to state but if I think the light is running longer then it should I usually give the throttle a quick goose. Sometimes it works. Wouldn’t recommend chillin on the right a waving a driver up though. The cages behind them won’t understand and I am not entirely sure (is I am understanding what your saying) that it would be legal. I usually look behind me and motion the cager to come closer…. you get a confused puppy dog look at first but they eventually catch on , especially if you poin at the light then back at them and wave them closer.
As far as lane positioning… I would recommend staying near middle if there is something to your left. You still get heads up time to get the hell out of dodge should they encroach on your lane but you are also “protecting” your lane to keep cars from trying to share it with you. Not to mention the visibility factor for the driver in front and behind you.