I have been driving for 38 years all over this country and several countries abroad and have found that the zipper method doesn't work for one reason... people that have merged early and waited in line are reluctant to let you over.
My general rule is, if the person gets over early, puts their turn signal on, I will let them over. If they scream all the way to the end and expect to push their way in, they aren't getting in front of me. I have waited patiently. I have no obligation to appease someone's impatience.
Been driving since 81 myself, and I'm here to tell you, the maximum movement for the least hassle is the zipper. If you automatically open up as you approach the end of the lane, they always have somewhere to go, and traffic keeps moving. If you dont, then they have to stop, then someone else has to let them stop, and the stop and go makes everyone slower. Took me a while, but I do this every time now, and it helps. Now, this dicks that ride that lane over in Calvert long after it's turned right turn only, they can screw off. But we're not talking about that.
And GW, I hear you. Sort of like Boston, except in Boston, you make eye contact, honk to make sure that sonofabitch over there is paying attention, look over and engage in a battle of wills.