You are correct.
Open carry used to be the norm. Concealed carry was considered cowardly.
I think people should be able to carry however they think best for the situation at hand.
That's why I conceal in stores/establishments - not only as a courtesy to the establishment in case some nut case decides to make a scene, but because I won't be picked out by any potential bad guys.
When out in the open, I believe it is more of a deterrent to have it visible from a distance - folks more likely to pass me up in favor of softer targets.
There are always exceptions and situational awareness is paramount - if in a crowd, I usually conceal again.