Not true. The RSPCA did a dog owner survey and found that only 18% of owners don't let their dogs walk off-lead. The clear view of the RSPCA (and most dog owners) is that it is cruel and unacceptable to never let your dog off-lead, unless you have a good reason such as your dog being young, untrained or agressive. The survey is called Being DogKind.
No. I was saying that I always put them on a lead to stop them running towards people. the only exception to that is where said people have their own off-leash dog. If they don't have a dog, I get mine on a lead. If they have a dog on-lead, I get them on a lead.
Like The Voice of Reason, I have walked dogs offlead for many many years, most people also have theirs off, the dogs play, the owners chat. Rarely any issues and any issues are a dog or two taking a dislike which might flare up for second or two but is no big deal for a responsible owner who understands dogs and their needs.
Go look at your nearest beach. You would be highly unlikely to see a single dog on the lead, especially this time of year.