I'm confused about the whole "hide" concept.

I had a BP back in the late 80's and I did not have a hide in the 20L tank. I had a driftwood branch, which was used often, a heat rock in the tank and a water bowel. The snake just layed around flat, never coiled or in a ball in the corner. Just very relaxed and a great snake. Never tried to strike at me or anyone else. Great eater, etc. You get the idea.

A few weeks ago I helped my niece get a BP and housing. We bought the snake at (gasp) Petsmart. I had a choice of two and picked the one I thought was more relaxed. This time around I read about hides on this forum and about how BP's are so shy and want to feel secure, etc.

This snake does not use the hides either and lays around just like my snake did 20+ years ago. The big difference is now the snake is in my nieces room with tons of noise/music and kids running in and out, ferrets and hamsters in the room, cats and a chinchilla running around - nothing bothers this snake. Back then the snake was in a quiet room and I didn't have kids yet but they act the same.

What gives? Why don't my BP's fit the stereotype?

John