In a pub a pub prop is safer than anything else short of a heavy duty case, with all the disruption involved putting putting a guitar in and out implies in a crowded pub.

Works for fiddles and mandolins as well, safer than laying the instruments naked on the table.

But of course you use your common sense in deciding when and where to use the gadgets. Nothing is a hundred per cent safe in all circumstances - why, even well made cases can get demolished by dedicated baggage handlers.