Indeed, most PA28s only have one switch which gives both beacon and strobes, which does annoy some people. I've never had a problem standing near an aircraft with it's strobes going, so don't really see what the fuss is about, but I do keep these lights off on the ground as i know some people are sensitive to this.
Same here...
During the walk-around I quickly check that lights, pitot heat and stall warner work and then turn them off. In the PA28s I fly I don't turn the strobes+beacon on on the ground but I make sure to give a very loud "clear prop" call and a careful look around.