i directly split the lanes whether i'm hard braking (not too hard like track) or easing it in on the streets. so i usually don't worry about being rear-ended. even if i'll be the only one in the front of the light, i never take the full middle lane and lean towards the middle (as if inviting the car to share the lane w/ me).
p.s. you don't always have to downshift to each gear coming into a stop. there's pros and cons to that of course, but i think needing to be in a lower gear just ready to accelerate are more rare/occasional cases instead of coming to a full stop and clutching it in.
"Leaders are like tea; put them in hot water to find out how strong they are." Anonymous