The more important question is would you trust the mask the sick person is wearing is protecting you if you are standing near that person.

Why is that the most important question? To me, the fact that experts are lying to me is more important.

I like science. I wish I could trust it to be presented honestly and fairly. But I can't, so I have to fill in some gaps, do some sanity checks, and read a few studies. That doesn't make me an expert, but it's the best I can do with limited time in a dishonest environment.

I really don’t care if it was a lie, or if it was incomplete knowledge, or if it was just the best the authorities could offer at the moment. I’m a layman. I know nothing about infectious diseases. I’m gonna follow the guidance from the experts. If that guidance changes 180 degrees tomorrow, then I’ll follow the new guidance. I don’t know what makes sense, I’m a layman! So many people are incapable of just listening to the experts and shutting their pie holes. Everyone with a YouTube account suddenly is an epidemiologist now, and advising their friend list on Facebook.

I am not. Therefore it is good to have clear rules in public indoor places, for example measured lines before counters in the supermarket, limit on visitors inside etc. But I am relaxed when passing people and I do not get anxious when they temporarily get close to me to pick something from the shelves.

Comparing to a sick person who doesn't wear mask?

Yes, a sick person wearing bad mask is still better.