You've hit on what I see as the big problem with stop signs in the US - they are inconsistent. Sometimes they are used at intersections where failing to stop is

You've hit on what I see as the big problem with stop signs in the US - they are inconsistent. Sometimes they are used at intersections where failing to stop is very dangerous, but much more often they are used when a yield sign would be sufficient. It conditions people in their normal driving to think of stop signs as recommendations, not requirements. This would seem to increase the danger of intersections where stopping fully is really necessary since people are more inclined to roll pass the stop sign.