Do kanji subtitles pop up in your mind?

Weird huh?

Yes weird.

Nah whatever works. as long as it doesn't slow you down.

Thinking of the kanji is often the easiest way to distinguish between 同音語.

Happens to me too. Helps me get my pronunciation perfect if I think in kanji, as well.

Nope. I was already conversationally fluent before doing Rtk or having good reading ability.

I always converse with speech balloons in my mind, even in English. With Japanese I simply add more sound effects and the occasional chibi outburst.

I've noticed when talking to some Japanese people if they can't think of the word they want to say they will sometimes draw the kanji out on their palm with their fingers, that's amusing.
My comprehension would skyrocket if people came with subtitles.