You have already heard this, but for those who haven't....
ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS fight it!
#1 Get the extension ( as many as you can, the more time passes, the better)
#2 Plead not guilty at the arraignment
#3 Go to the trial prepared and hope the cop doesn't show up
If the cop doesn't show, your case is dismissed (You get off clean!)
If the cop does show, then you have to decide to either fight it or change your plea to guilty
If you fight it, make sure you have done your research about the location, traffic, laws, etc and have a good defense, or hire an attorney that does this to do it for you. (It may cost more, but they will get you off)
If you don't feel you will win, then change your plea to guilty and the judge will usually allow you to take traffic school and keep your record clean.
Always listen carefully to the judge before court begins, many of them make a speech about how they like to run things. Follow his'her orders and listen up when they talk about things like your plea and how they will handle it. Some judges will let you take traffic school if you plead guilty, but if you fight it, they won't. Either way plead not guilty at the arraignment and wait for the trial to decide if you should change it or not.
But ALWAYS fight it and drag it out as long as you can. You can even request that the trial be delayed by telling the judge you are "willing to waive time". This means that you understand your right for a speedy trial and are willing to let the trial be set for a later date (rather than within the usual 60 days).
I have have a friend who had gone into court and because he dragged it out for over 6 months, the cop didn't remember the incident and the judge dismissed the case. Several times I have heard of people setting it for trial and then the cop doesn't show (this happened to me a few times).
I am sure the current LEO's can shed more light on this, I have been out of the loop since '97, so there is alot I have forgotten. Also, this is in California, so your area may be different. Judges are given alot of discretion, so they can be really cool/easy on your or total hard-asses.
Another thing to remember, California CHP (state police) almost always show up in court...that is all they do...write tickets and show up in court. You are much better off if the ticket you get is from a city cop or sheriff, they are less likely to show up as they have many different situations they encounter on a daily basis and are less concerned about tickets (the exception being of course, motor officers).
GOOD LUCK! Hope this helps someone!
