That's the kinda answer I was hoping for. I got stopped in Costa Rica and told them why I only had a photocopy, same in Colombia. Both times the cops were kinda like "yea I suppose that's true". But at the same time, I offer to go back to my hotel and show them the original if necessary.
At 30 I wouldn't be surprised if I got checked once, and my lack of language skills I feel like might hurt, but I'd rather risk getting detained for no reason and explaining myself, vs having my passport stolen. I think both are kinda equally likely to happen just by chance, but the cost between the two situations isn't equitable.