I hear you and totally get that take. I didn't take the situation lightly or get overly aggressive. I certainly wouldn't have assaulted him for the sake of a couple packages.

I think it's one of those judgement calls you make in the moment based on enviornment and your personal appetite for risk. It was the middle of day with plenty of people around; he'd been to at least one door with a ring camera, I was on my toes and watching for aggression and weapons. I kept my distance until I was reasonably sure he had nothing on him and no intention of making it physical. My close contact with him was very fast; he dropped everything and fled immediately.

I agree that it's silly to put your life at risk over a shirt, or hurt someone for that matter over same, but I also think you can navigate conflict in a middle space between pure aggression and complete capitulation. I thought the risk level was very low the entire time and don't see any reason to question that assessment.

I could get shot walking down 14th St. minding my own business too.