the hazards and headlight theory is that they make the triangle, which most peeps see and recognise straightaway, hence why i have my two led lamps on all the time, and yes you can see them against the hids.
now to be see even better why not have the indicators on all the time ie not flashing but on and when you which to turn one will flash. My gpx 750 had them. Brighter than normal bulbs as well. On the Bird with its indicators in the mirrors i reckon that would be a seen look.
But even with my two leds lamps and hids and dayglo bits on jacket, a white lid, reflective bits of bike and me, the fuckers still try to kill me at least twice a week, by pulling out in front of me whilst i am on the roundabouts.