I work with a lady that lost her brother a short while back due to a Taxi hard breaking in front of him, while he was on his bike. He was driving the speed limit. The exact same happened to me, but the bike was agile and quick enough for me to swerve out of the way (into oncoming traffic) and avoid being maimed, as you say. Things happen. Your t-bone accident could have been another person's death. There is no "it's not so bad" when it comes to riding. Better safe than sorry is my only advice here. I don't need to be right. I'm just advocating safety.
Im all for safety and driving within your abilities.
Telling someone to hop on something that does 200km/h with little to no experience and claiming they aren't a man if they don't is the opposite of that.
There is also something to be said for riding right behind a taxi that you should know just stops randomly, it's called common sense...
Never stick to the left side of a lane if behind a taxi.
In fact, just don't ride behind one in the first place.
While some accidents can't be helped as shit really does just happen, you can be safer, without either buying a older fucked up 250-400cc bike, or paying way more than the bike is worth for a newer model with more safety features like abs etc.
I have been involved with bikes most of my life and basically grew up in a household where that was the main form of transportation as we couldn't afford a car back then.
I have also had my fair share of friends lose their lives on it and in most cases the cause is the same... driving way beyond your ability...
For example first time on a super bike and they want to learn how to lean... so what do they do... go to Franschoek pass... and 1/5 don't make it back in one piece...
I myself have nearly lost the plot on that stretch of road once...
Like I said... simplest way to stay safe regardless of what you are on is to not be stupid...
Having a bike that can quickly accelerate when you aren't used to it can cause accidents all on it's own even with no other vehicles involved.
Thus, start small and take it easy...