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I experienced something similar, but from the driver's end, a few years back. While driving in a strange city, I got lost, and inadvertently went through a red while people were in the crosswalk. Although I didn't come close to hitting anyone, I did startle a few folks who had started to cross the street. I rolled down my window and apologized, explained that I was lost and unfamiliar with the city, and almost everyone with the exception of one guy waved it off. One gentleman even tried to give me directions, but while he was doing so the angry guy approached my car and started yelling and kicking the door. I drove off, seething, and while circling the block saw the same guy. He started yelling again, and I wished for the fifth time that I had the gun I used to carry while traveling. I sped away, but spent the rest of the day brooding about what had happened, and feeling like a coward or a helpless twit who couldn't defend myself from a two-bit punk. I even spent several moments replaying the whole incident, but with a different outcome: one in which I got out of my car and pounded a puddle in that guys chest.
Dualman7 is trying to deal with a normal human reaction of being angry with himself for basically backing down (punking out, or whatever term is appropriate) from a confrontation. Not only does he feel that the driver was wrong -and stupidly unapologetic for his actions which could have caused serious injury - but he also feels even more wronged for having to concede something (a hollow victory, perhaps) to this punk.
Upon reflection, I think we all realize that a confrontation would have been senseless, and quite possibly dangerous, no one likes to be taken for a flat. That's just human nature.
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