BD, personally, I agree with your views on PH's. I don't go out of my way to talk shit to 'em, but when I get the looks or words (or they intentionally position themselves in my path or my car's path) for not giving up my hard-earned dough, I'm gonna say something.
Two reasons posters on here think you're an asshole for the encounter: 1, the way you posted it and asked if you were wrong, as if you were seeking validation from the jerk-offs on this board; 2, let's face it, you pretty much egged the PH on.
Personally, if you're going to sit out and beg for change, you're setting yourself up for that kind of shit. I mean, spend your time trying to get a job. I've known plenty of people in shitty situations who did anything and everything they could to get a job, and they've busted ass to get even a minimum wage job before begging for change.