I do a lot of photography, including "street" photography, but I don't shoot photos of people. I believe that you should be asked for your consent to be photographed, and I tend to avoid social interaction whenever possible. I empathize with the author here. I would probably say "yes" in that situation, but I would also expect to be asked.
I also do occasional street photography. I'm opposite of your view. I don't ask for consent and take photos (even candids). People rarely have problems. If they have, they'll come and ask me not to include them in the frame.
