I understand the pain of the tourist that want to stay on the French side and feel uncomfortable doing so.
We have been coming to the island for 23 years, most of the time 2 to 3 times a year and used to spend time on the French side quite often for shopping and meals. We have always stayed on the Dutch side because of our time shares.
We stopped going to the French side about 5 years ago because of different reasons.
Have no reason to go back, even though for the great beaches, shopping or the food.
It's not right to put fear into the people that just want to enjoy a relaxing vacation.