One thing about these open carry threads that I notice is that folks who live in states where open carry is either illegal or very uncommon seem to be a bit more critical of the concept.
Many folks disparage the entire concept while engaging in broad stereotypes about those who practice open carry (sorry, GEM, but since you listed some common ones...)
1. It is God Given Right, so if tactically not so smart, that's not the point
2. It will deter criminals. Said many times.
3. It will educate the public not be scared of people with big bellies and crap holsters flapping around with a gun.
I actually know some folks that routinely carry unconcealed, most are highly involved in the myriad of outdoor recreation activities the PNW is known for. They have their own reasons, but I've never heard any of them say they do it because it's their "God-given right" and all of them are well aware of the tactical disadvantages. Most are also aware that, having made the decision to open carry, they are considered the extremists of the gun-owning community and are subject to endless criticism, scrutiny and second-guessing by all the gun-owners and gun-carriers who choose not to out themselves...
Come to think of it, I've never heard any of the OCers of my acquaintance claim it deters criminals.
As far as the "educating the public" aspect, yeah, the whole desensitizing the soccer moms theory is oft thrown out there, but I know, and have observed, plenty of OCers up here who are young, physically fit (okay, at times, some of them
do appear to be Tacticool Tommies) and utilize decent equipment as well as quality firearms.
And of those I've had conversation with about OC, many are very realistic about the potential pitfalls and drawbacks, but choose to do so mostly out of convenience, though sure, more'n a few
are making a political statement. And yes, I have noticed the Wal-Mart frequent flyers (how could we not notice them?) who sometimes simply seem to be seeking attention (in spite of the Uncle Mike's holster and cheap handgun), but I'm way more turned off by the morbidly obese folks in spandex and people without manners.
Honestly, the issue of open carry seems to widely open the door for a lot of generalizations and broad-brush painting on a lot of gun forums. We all (should) understand that intelligence, physical attractiveness, a decent level of income to allow one to buy and own quality goods, and common sense is not a prerequisite for owning and carrying firearms, yet we seem perplexed when confronted by those with whom we do not agree...