This is largely true for Papi’s hive canon, though not because the changelings consider secrecy an advantage, but a necessity. Due to their appearance, history, and feeding habits changelings have long been regarded as monsters, demons, and abominations, and have been hunted as such more than once.
Changelings before Chrysalis’s brash invasion would hide not because it made feeding easier, but because it was pivotal to their survival as a species.
Also, I share your issue with headcanons, which is why I try and build mine with as much support from the show as possible where I can.