Admittedly I have never encountered a situation where I couldn't find anywhere to lock my bike (either an actual bike rack or another structure) nor have I lived in an area with a lot of bike theft (very lucky, I know). So, my opinion is based on that and could certainly change should my fortunate situation ever change.

But, I do feel like we can't advocate that bikes be given the same rights as cars but then want "special treatment" at stores. Perhaps, instead of trying to cause a scene, we should explain our situation to managers of businesses and suggest alternatives and compromises. Then, if the business is not accommodating, we've taken the high road by proposing a compromise and they're being unreasonable which would gain more support than a cyclist causing a scene by stripping down.