Several years ago I was going across a bridge and the right lane was closed. The construction had been going on for months, so it wasn't surprise to any of the residents that they would have to merge. The signs said, Right Lane Closed, Merge Left. It was rush hour and traffic was stop and go. I saw a van with local plates get out of the left lane four or five cars behind me, pass me and try to crowd back into the left lane. I had already let several cars in and I didn't give her room. Every time traffic started to creep ahead she crowded further into my lane. Finally she got mad, cut the wheel hard left and rammed her van into the side of my truck. She proceeded to rip the side of her van from bumper to bumper on my front bumper. I had to follow her for several miles to get her to stop.
The cops showed up and I showed the police officer my license and CCW Permit and the cop started laughing. She said she couldn't wait to tell the woman driving the van that I was armed so she could see the look on her face. Apparently she was screaming that she was going to kick my butt.
My point is that leaving a gap in front of you is an invitation to every Jackass in line to cut in front of you. It's sad but true.