Hi Chuck, I agree that there is a difference between risk and calculated risk, however the point I am making is that in some areas of the world the criteria some use for calculated risk cannot be applied. So the choice is not to fly, or to take a greater, less calculated risk. To this end being objective is likely to keep you firmly on the ground.
When you say you never fly outwith gliding distance of land, do you mean land, or land suitable to make an emergency landing?