I value space more than speed, so I do whatever it takes to enhance the former. If that requires going 85 for half a mile to get away from the knuckleheads, so be it. The right lane works fine, because riding in the ruts can be avoided if one pays attention and actually drives instead of aiming the car. Anything that provides more distance between packs of "drivers" traveling like a bunch of 6-year-olds chasing a soccer ball is much preferred.

Enjoy that 75+ in the left lane to your heart's content. It'll be 45 northbound, with me right behind you, south of Albany soon enough.