Well, well, seems people get so emotional about such a simple innocent thing.
Seems to me, many seem to mistake respect for people, with respect for mammon.
Obviously some do not understand - I would never be behind or in front of them while doing this thing - so it would be absolutely hilarious if they suddenly accelerated - into the vehicle in front or behind as a reaction.
of course the only reason why this would happen to them would be because - they had not ensured the safe passage of an overtaking vehicle or; had not eased to one side when lane width allows, in order to facilitate the passage of motorcycles and bicycles.
Absolutely ludicrous to claim a couple of fingers scarcely touching their precious paint would cause damage.Which incidentally is usually a door top or gutter - boots and bonnets are the wrong height, as cyclists would know.
As for the people that express their criminal intent to commit assault - well that also would be hilarious - to see them bash their door against the adjacent vehicle (causing criminal damage) and then not be able to get out their car anyway....
BTW I don't use clips (or much other cycle specific clothing come to that) - it is now and again a convenient way to be able to sit up in order to survey a traffic situation and work out a way round it and see what pedestrians are doing what, before continuing.
I have done it to a motorcycle with a blue light - due to a traffic incident that occurred- I was waved on with a big smile as soon as conditions allowed.
So I shall just continue in my usual way.