[Steely Tom]

I’ve noticed that sometimes if I use the passing lane for passing, then signal and get back in the right lane as soon as I can do so safely (always making sure I can see both left and right sides of whatever I passed in my center rear-view mirror), other people on the road will start to emulate me, even if they were sticking in the left lane before.

I have seen it happen a time or two.

[ansel12]

I’ve noticed that sometimes if I use the passing lane for passing, then signal and get back in the right lane as soon as I can do so safely (always making sure I can see both left and right sides of whatever I passed in my center rear-view mirror), other people on the road will start to emulate me, even if they were sticking in the left lane before.

I've noticed the same thing, not always of course, but like you, sometimes.