Originally Posted by IO540
Statistically, a suitable landing site is equally likely to be near or far away.
Your geometry is incorrect. To take a simple case, between 2 and 4 miles you have 3 times the area you have between immediately below and 2 miles. As you glide further you also have the option of returning to where you started, so in fact if you double the glide range you have 4 times the options.