I did think it through and I respect the fact that Costco is a private business that can do make whatever policies they want.
This is not a rights issue, this is some guy whinging about a stores policy. Call a whambulance.
You're absolutely right.
I agree, no one said otherwise. You said you cannot see the difference between: 1. Government required Smoking bans, and 2. customers letting a company know their opinion on the store's policy and/or refusing to shop there.
You need to read AND think before posting.
The man readily acknowledged each fact that you point out, including the right of Costco (or any other private busineess) to prohibit the carrying of firearms on their property.
It's not clear to me what your complaint is about.