My second job is as a delivery driver. I drive in a nice, residential areea with mostly affluent people and well-lit streets, but there are times I have been nervous... I would never, as a young fairly defenseless woman, deliver pizzas in an area like they're talking about. I believe the major chains have a "no guns on the job" policy, as well as "don't resist the robbery". This to me is just asking for robberies. The only defense is to deny service to some areas.
Bottom line, the driver's safety is more important than these people's self esteem and little egos.
You said it better than I ever could. Good for you and stay safe.