The main problem with keeping as far to the left as practicable (as per the regulations) is that it gives drivers an opening to share your lane. If you are in a car and over to the left, fine, you still take up a large proportion of the lane, but if you are on a bike, the minute you move to the left, some tosser in a car usually takes that as an invitation to pass you - if you are going slow enough that this is a feasible option! And can you imagine a cop pulling someone up for riding to the left in a group (staggered formation)? I can't see it ever happening, unless the rider is sitting on the centre line - which I have seen done, unfortunately!
When I learned to ride, I was told to 'command my lane' - in other words, make sure anyone following me knew it was MY space. I've followed that rule and had no problems, but you alter your line according to the conditions and the traffic around you. As for sitting to the outside of the right or left of a vehicle, one wrong move and you'd be in the path of oncoming traffic or off the road.
The difference between a new rider and one with more experience is that the more experienced riders tend NOT to sit behind a car unless they have to - they pass it and gain some space around them. If you are in heavy traffic or on a windy road with double yellows or similar, make sure the car in front and the car behind you can see you. Don't follow too closely is more important than where you position yourself - always give yourself an escape route. If the guy in front suddenly stops or changes direction, you need to be able to avoid hitting him - something your road position alone isn't always going to give you.
I like Ixion's idea of changing your position every now and then when following a car, so the driver doesn't 'forget' you are there. I don't know whether it is my headlights or what, but I usually find most drivers move as far to the left as they can in order to let me pass - which is very much appreciated, but I wish they would take a look at the road ahead before they do it! No way am I keen to overtake on the brow of a hill or on a tight road in case someone's over the line when I do so - so thanks, but I'm not always going to take advantage of the offer!
Yes, I am pedantic about spelling and grammar so get used to it!
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