Sure projection is safe.
I remember using my 8" newtonian
with a basic 25mm kellner(remember that name!) eyepiece.
projecting an image 14-16" across.
The granulations stood out, the little lines around the sunspots blazed.
In fact some of my best views of the sun!
Compared to the full solar screens, projection is much better in my opinion. So in desperation I'm now heading towards a Lunt Hershel wedge with 90mm WO refractor and H alpha mounted besides.
