I've always been told never to move the controls from the outside of the aircraft either, if you need to check a bolt then do so but move the control surface slowly. And I never move one aileron to check the other does the opposite, that's what flight control checks are for. Leave the control surfaces alone.
Regarding lights, when starting up I want to be as lit up as possible so I put the strobes on as well as the beacon. And once entering a runway all of my lights (including landing light) go on before I enter. There was an accident in the US or Canada where a 737 landed on a turboprop because the turboprop companies SOP was to turn the lights on once cleared for takeoff and the 737 crew couldn't see them in the darkness. Needless to say most of the blame fell on ATC if I recall correctly, but if you're using an active runway, be as lit up as possible before lining up!
Good airmanship is invaluable. Being courteous to other pilots is good. Even little things like living the fuel pumps tidy rather than just slinging the pipes in a knot on the floor when you're done.
Good thread.