i still think it doesn't look good. especially if the one doing it is a rav. the talmud says ha'okhel bashuk domeh lekelev - someone who eats in a shuk (which, in the talmud is probably actually a public road or public square, not a market) is like a dog, or elsewhere, is not valid to testify.

But I've seen people eat foods that are sold by WEIGHT, before paying. Like grapes or nuts. And once -- a persimon! A whole persimon was eaten in the supermarket.

Thinking about it... just yesterday I was walking down the street and I saw a poor looking man walk up to a store and just take a big bottle of honey that was outside as part of a display on a table. I called after him and told him to put it back, and he cursed me and told me it was none of my business, what do I care if he steals, and such. But he did put it back amid all the badmouthing. And then I went into the store and told them to be more careful with their goods.