I don't think big mods are all that prevalent in the wild in the UK. In a vape-friendly bar I go to, I've only ever seen small eGo/ce4 kits around, and I always feel a bit strange vaping in the same room as non-vapers/smokers because it feels strange, and new to me.
One night, I arrived before any of my friends did and sat there with a beer. The place was full of non-vapers. I took out my SVD which is quite a long mod, and sat it on the table. No reaction from anyone. Good. Dare I take a hit? I know, I'll stealth vape. Now I don't mean do it furtively, I mean openly take a hit, but then take an extra intake of fresh air before the exhale. The result is a vapourless vape. Some interested looks, but no negative reactions. So far so good.
Then my friends turned up with their eGo kits, and commenced making tiny clouds. They were ever so curious about the SVD so I took a fairly normal hit. This was 4 beers later, so I was feeling brave. Well it's 100%VG and the Protank just produces HUGE clouds. This is why I was holding back earlier, I'm not sure of how non-vapers will react.
They were all fine with it... the non-vapers were either impressed or highly amused by it all, and no-one looked annoyed. I stealthed it after that though, I don't want to give us a bad name.... But I was pleasantly surprised by how cool everyone was with it. I guess I'll just vape like it's perfectly normal in future, but just try n be respectful and all.
Strange though, before the smoking ban, back in '98 I would just spark up a cigarette in a bar and not even think twice about it. How times change eh?