Regarding moving around in the pack; you make your own space. If you want out and forward you’re going to have to squeeze through. If you want out and back you simply let a gap open and someone will fill it guaranteed. Sometimes it’s easier to go back, out and forward than moving up but it all comes with skill. Ultimately you are responsible for your own wheel so don’t put yourself in a dicey spot.
It’s all well and good when people say “go off the front” but you really learn nothing about pack riding by doing this. If they’re coordinated you’re coming back and spitting you out. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Regarding line choice; just be consistent and hold your line. I don’t care if you go wide and inside or inside and wide. Just hold your line and don’t be erratic. The accidents happen when riders are unpredictable. If I don’t like your line choice that’s on me to go around you.