{ Ironraven, you said } Or does "reasonable" change when you have a beard rather than breasts?
[ sorry, I haven't figured out how to copy quotes in the neat way on this forum ]

Yes, I guess maybe "reasonable" does change, depending on appearance or perception.
Since men tend to be stronger and more aggressive than women, it seems natural for most people to be more cautious or concerned when "sizing up" an encounter or situation with a man. An attractive woman might have a bazooka in her purse; but would probably not attract the same attention as "that rough looking guy with the beard". [Just making a point, you're probably a very clean-cut guy, and not "rough" looking.]

Besides, as creative as this bunch around ETS is, we can probably come up with countless ways to carry the things that we need, in ways that could be more concealed (or non-threatening) in a retail/public environment.

I am not saying that manager handled your situation correctly. I too get very disgusted with persons that are rude, and I sympathize with your frustration in that regard.
I just think your time might be better spent in thinking of ways to avoid your EDC being perceived as a violation/threat; instead of pursuing satisfaction from being wronged by that person and/or the theatre policies.