SLFguy,
Yes and no.
(a) of course we ought to have lines in the sand from an ethical standpoint as that is the mark of a civilised society
however,
(b) if we are never prepared to risk life and limb (in a controlled manner) then, on occasion, there would be no progress at all.
I am not expressing a moral view at all here .. merely an observation.
... the real infamy is when the individual is denied reasonable understanding of the risks involved in his/her undertaking an activity ... along the lines of the medical profession's "informed consent" philosophy.