the answer to your question in #3 is a resounding YES!!! i’ve been there, and in know whereof i speak. once you take out your firearm you are in the wrong, adn they will do whatever it takes to get you to do something stupid, like point it at anyone. then you go down. they ruin you, and your career, etc...
and if they think you’re armed, they will grab for it, even trying to reach into your pockets. i’ve had to endure this treatment. thee last thing you want these people to know is that you are carrying a gun.
Just LOOKING at the gun is ENOUGH to scare away the thugs.