IK -
Just a clarification - I don't force DS to stay in the pram all the time! He is out and about much of the time but there are just certain situations when it is safe and better for him to be in the pram. Being a toddler and VERY independant... if he doesn't FEEL like getting in the pram he lets us know about it. I do insist that he get in the pram and stay there, but having said that, if, a few minutes later, he is still upset and just getting more agitated - I will take him out and try again later - it just all depends on the situation.
However, at 13 months of age, I refuse to let him run loose in the shopping center, and therefore, if he also won't let me carry him because he wants to walk, then the pram it is. I hope that clarifies the situation for you a bit more.
And Cailin - despite what I said earlier about needing to teach our children how to behave in certain situations, there are times when I too like to be somewhere without any children! And I'm in TOTAL agreement with you about taking kids out when they are tired - that is why my local Westfields is full of mums and bubs first thing in the morning - we are all trying to get errands done while the kids are happy and content!