But how much face do you lose by obeying it if you're driving a Fortuner and there's a clapped out old Isuzu on the circle?

That right there is the biggest problem asian road rules have IMO.. The adaption of face and power / prestige to right of way, and a child like need to impose that power.

If I ride a scoot around the island, you can just watch cars react and attempt to purposefully cut you off if you take right of way, also how they speed up when you overtake them.

LivinLOS - this is NOT exclusive to Asia. Road rage and the perceived anonymity of being ensconced in large powerful vehicle is a deadly problem in many western urban areas as well AND the easiest targets are bikes there too!!

LivinLOS - this is NOT exclusive to Asia. Road rage and the perceived anonymity of being ensconced in large powerful vehicle is a deadly problem in many western urban areas as well AND the easiest targets are bikes there too!!

Sure but face = right of way is far more an asian thing, the pickup having to give way to the merc phenom is not a western thing..