I don't think that smokers should be treated any differently than anyone else. Do I hate walking past a smoker and anointing myself with that smoky smell? Yes, Do I hate inhaling other peoples smoke second hand, of course I do!. Would I make a remark to the guy outside the shop having a cig? No. It's just an unpleasant part of life, having to suffer from other peoples smoking. I should know. I was a beauty therapist for years and often had to treat smokers at close quarters for one thing or an other, My god, the stench was foul...and always the same stench. It, ironically, was made worse by the smoker who had a mint or some gum prior to seeing me, in order to 'hide the smell!' I then had to deal with smoke, bad breath and an 'off mint mixed with heat' kind of smell.
Anyway, I think that if you are the person who could walk by a smoker 10 yrs ago and not make a comment, then why is it suddenly ok to do so now? I must admit though, I am off on holiday with my two smoker best friends and I am dreading smelling my clothes at the end of the evening and having to sit in a whaft of smoke all night.