ok if you want the faa's answer on this read AC 120-74A states that ALL exterior lights should be illuminated when crossing runways. There is a sidenote that caution should be exercised for "forward facing lights" not anti collision lights. Besides what's the difference between a plane turning on strobes crossing a taxiway and one that is preparing for takeoff? Sounds to me like some people are just a little too whiny. No one is forcing you to look.