I am very sceptical of anything that increases the number or type of hazards the ordinary driver must watch for.
I agree with you there ... but once the drivers understand that it is legal and to expect it then they become more aware to it. In Ca a lot of drivers actually make room for the upcoming bike. In about 10 years of lane splitting I've only have had one or two near misses. Those were avoided by my greater awaremness and ability to get out of the way. If I had been in a car .... they would have hit me. BTW it's a felony to open a door in front of a lane splitting bike. Remember that that upcoming bike could easily be and very often is a CHP motorcycle cop. We actually get behind the CHP motorcycle and use him as an escort.. Usually at higher speed than we normally would split lanes