However, Texas Summer is fast approaching, and I want to be relieved of the risk of being charged with a crime if I take off my jacket.
IOW, I am not so interested in practicing "open carry" per se as I am insisting on being relieved of the stupid and onerous burden of "required concealment".
I must admit that, out of pure Texian orneriness, I often secure my firearm when removing my jacket -- but wear my empty holster (even a shoulder holster rig) in plain view.
I carry concealed here in Texas at all times. I doubt I would ever carry openly even if it were legal. I hate the fact, though, that a light breeze can reveal my weapon when I exit a store or get out of a car. When this happens, I am committing a felony and can be hit hard by the law (and lose my right to carry at all). Make it legal!