I only ever use Praed street to hail a cab from Paddington, as well as skipping the nonsense of the queue at Paddington, you also skip the nonsense of the road system around Bishops bridge road.

Interesting to hear that the Circle / Hammersmith and city lines are a bit more reliable now. Just recently changed offices and work in Angel and when not riding I prefer to use central line from Lancaster gate and walk from Chancery Lane; could make it that little bit shorter by going from Farringdon.