I am a pretty smooth driver also, meaning I save fuel too. It's just easier to drive that way, less stressful I guess right? I agree with the phone conversation thing too, it's distracting even when hands free, but I do it for work so I can fit everything into my day. If it's a particularly in-depth call I'll pull over.
There's some bonkers road laws out there, but far more bonkers drivers who like to make up their own. I understand what you describe and yep, bonkers.