Same here (UK) the only exception to jumping their taxi queue is if you need a specific vehicle further back in line (large, wheelchair friendly, etc)

Or if they don't want to carry you because you need to "cross the river" or get out of Zone 1.

Does not happen nearly as often since Uber is squeezing them though.

That's the way it works pretty much everywhere in Europe in my experience.

And it is how taxi lines work or worked in the US. App-based hailing changed this, since there is no longer a designated physical place where the line would exist. Building a virtual-line, makes plenty of sense, and in hind-sight was something overlooked.

This happens in Norway as well. Unfortunately different companies charge different rates, so I refuse if the first in line is one that charges more than others.