I think it's worth separating experienced / enthusiast cyclists from casual cyclists and beginners. I put myself somewhere in between. I own multiple bikes that have different braking systems, including caliper, disc, and coaster. They all stop my bike. I know their limitations. I don't exceed their capabilities.
On the other hand, I've also known beginners, or people who gave up cycling and then took it up again, reporting to me that the difference between disc and rim brakes is like night and day. One friend thinks the difference is so profound that rim brakes are dangerous and should be outlawed. If they have ridden both kinds of bikes, chances are the disc brake bike is newer. Many older bikes may have never had properly adjusted and maintained brakes. For whatever reason, the impression about disc brakes is pretty strong. And this is from people who have no awareness or interest in what kind of gear the pro's are using.