Are they driving at the same speed as the congested lane? That's how it should be done, in my opinion. If driving in the ending lane isn't seen as "getting ahead" and is seen as "using available road without cheating", the behavior could actually change.

No congested lane stopped, lane where the zipper merge would happen had at least a half mile of space before cones started forcing a merge. 5 or so cars behind me doing the same merge. I was traveling 15-20mph and decreasing speed.

That is illegal and you can call the police and report them for it. I don't know if it will do any good but I've wanted to - if only there was a safe way I could do that while driving.

I almost hit the guy who did it to me. I couldn’t swerve over because the shoulder was blocked by construction.

I’ve been wanting a dashcam. Maybe it’s time to get one.