As for engine failure - it is about balance of risk. Another time that an engine failure puts you in deep deep doo doo is on take-off. But rather than deciding each and every take-off is reckless, and deciding to cancel the flight, pilots tend to train for it, and review what they will do in the (rare) event of an engine out.
Maybe that is macho and reckless, but without it, you are taking the boat. (and a boat into a typhoon has a much worse time of it - they don't have the speed to react and get out of the way if need be)