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I didn't see the threads referred to in the OP but I'd take the view that serial killers recruiting via astro sites is an extremely remote possibility, but not zero. Looking at it logically it's just not good 'business' but who's to say weirdos are logical. Still, how many attacks have there been? (even worldwide??) That's not to say that there is no risk but I think the drive to the site is more dangerous.
Regarding feeling safe in the bush at night, I'm quite comfortable in the 'remote' bush but at bit more on edge close to towns. I'm defining remote as being distant from a built up areas and out of he range of yahoos. Becoming comfortable takes time and probably entails being freaked out a couple of times, just to teach you that that sound is just a roo/wombat/horse/possum/bird etc (creaking branches are good too). But once you're comfortable it's an addictive glory.
Closer to town you can have the occasional unpleasant experience but I've yet to have one that felt dangerous. Mostly it's hoons doing donuts. Occasional young lovers find they need to seek a more private location (though not always). One night a car full of obviously intoxicated (and I don't mean booze) young blokes pulled up. That took us by surprise because they coasted up quietly with the lights out and got close before we heard them - which shows they could still reason. It seems we had been freaking them out and they wanted to know what we were up to in the dark. They made us promise we'd tell them if we saw an alien and then made their way back to their partying. We were only a small group but I'm glad I wasn't alone. It would still have been safe but the worry would have ruined the night.
I used to observe alone a lot but I was young and brave - and reckoned I knew the bush around the area better than 'them' and was fit and fast. Although these days I observe with at least 1-2 others, I think I'd still observe alone but I can well understand people not being comfortable with that.
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