Does your buddy know you carry? (sorry just read page 8!) It may be the case that some people (instigators) tend to be bold when they know (or think they are protected). I have had instigator friends get me into the worst situations and trouble in my life.

Conversely i have been on 1 or 2 occasions and extra special asshole when i knew I had backup, or happen to be out drinking with cops (who by the way are good at drinking peer pressure).

Glad it did not escalate.