[sumnulu]

> As a general rule of thumb: public key is what you use when you have no other choice.

I think you mean, "private" key is what you use when you have no other choice.

[lvh]

No: he's using public key as in public-key cryptography, as opposed to secret-key cryptography.

[dullgiulio]

I think "public key" as in "asymmetric cryptography with public key."

[tptacek]

No, that's not what I mean.