"The armed person may give off aggressive vibes that may have the opposite effect on bear from that intended."

i think that would depend on the armed person. I'm with Rapaire; I can't think of any weapon I could carry that would make me feel disrespectful and aggressive around a bear.
I have no doubt that I could kill a bear with a firearm, and I have no doubt that he might well kill me or cripple me before he dropped. A weapon doesn't make you invulnerable. Unless you're an eedjit.

But it does give you better odds, and better odds on most anything are worthwhile.

Armed & respectful beats unarmed & respectful.

Well, Rapaire said it briefer & better, but I have this compulsion to try to explain things…

clint