The longer following distance is a good technique and I use it, too.

Regarding "holding up traffic". I don't hold up traffic either, but I'm sure the people behind me often THINK I'm holding them up. The mindset that equates tailgating with "getting there faster" also equates longer following distances with "slowing them down".

This can even get to the point where it sparks rage. Ask me how I know.

I have a morning commute with stretches of road with very predictable rates of traffic flow which are governed by just a couple of traffic lights which back up traffic. On one such stretch of roadway, I generally allow my following distance to open up considerably because it just so happens that this piece of road is mostly downhill for almost six miles and I refuse to use unnecessary gas to go DOWNHILL. Lengthy following distances matter naught in total elapsed time because of the untimed traffic lights six miles away, but few of my fellow commuters are able to grasp the significance of this situation. This is one of the salient factors which makes me very different from my compatriots in their Flintstone Mobiles; they are blissfull (well, not blissfully, more like ANGRILY) unaware of TOPOGRAPHY. As a hybrid owner, topography has a ruling influence on my driving.

At any rate, welcome to hybrid ownership!