Another good point I had not thought of. I was never going to consider a head unit with a flip-face, anyway. When I first heard of them, I pretty much thought what you thought. So yes, even if it wasn't branded I'd still feel better about the faceplate than an empty hole.

I think it creates doubt. Even moreso because it's branded. Why take the chance on one car when in the next, you may be able to see something work the risk? Creating the doubt is enough. And of course, smarter theives will know that when they see a blank plate that matches the dash, that there's nothing to steal.