I maybe should have mentioned that I live in a busy suburb soooo outdoor cats are not allowed, not the norm, and it's definitely not safe for them... not that a rural situation is safe, either...
So when I see a cat wandering around outside I'm more apt to think that he's lost, and not just "well everyone lets their cat out so that's probably all it is". Because most people don't let their cat out.
Also clarifying that I didn't say outdoor cats weren't friendly.