Sounds like you're an anti-advocate now which is fine, you have every right, but don't expect to be taken too seriously on a cycling forum. Tho your 50 years deserves respect.
I can't be hypocritical though, because I'm not that distant from your recent practices. 90% of my riding over the past 6 months at least has been commuting or utility and I also avoid the packed roads more often than not. So I'm not going to jump your case over it. But I will strongly suggest that your dangerous situation is not generally applicable and I have few misgivings about riding 5000-7000 miles per year in suburban Atlanta area.