And then there was the lowly GA single engine aircraft just trying to take off the other night from ATL. Unfortunately, he had neither strobes nor a beacon. I think 5 different RJ pilots jumped on him over the radio about NOT having his strobes on as he sat in position to take off! He just kept repeating "our aircraft doesn't have any!"

By the way, our operating manual states specifically that "strobe lights must be turned ON when crossing an active runway with an aircraft in position for takeoff." Specifically, it mentions "active runway" and "with an aircraft in position." So there's another variation. However, I agree that safety comes first and our strobes always go on when crossing any runway.