It's a paradox. Thought I "like" open carriers, and I "know" BGs don't OC, I'm apt to profile people at an airport**, especially anyone OC-ing in an airport. I think I might even want airport cops to go touch base with the person, even though I'm fundamentally opposed (in principle) to such things (cops contacting a LAC).
Why? Well, partly because I can't carry. If "I" were also carrying (i.e. not waiting to board my flight), I would feel parity, and capable of protecting myself (in theory).
Good on the OP for not being unnecessarily compliant. Like the idea of 'educating the people', not the cops. I think they'd have accomplished their purpose by just saying 'hi' and not requiring answers or anything. Truth is 'grumpy' OC-ers are not threats, else they'd be CC-ing and smiling, I figger.
**FWIW:
(The last flight I took there was a black dude, nice enough guy, who was speaking a foreign language on his cell phone. He sat in front of me in the boarding lounge and he had a large wheeled carry on. THEN, he left his luggage and disappeared. I was VERY anxious at this and almost called over the ticket agent to report it. You are NOT supposed to leave luggage unattended. He did return. I believe he was in the bathroom.
I didn't listen to my spidey sense, (which was on moderate tingle).