For argument's sake, DB, do you think that taking the "shortcut" knowing in advance that it is an opportune venue for an ambush do you think it worth the risk (to use it as a laboratory)? Seems to conflict with the avoid stupid places / stupid people mantra...and of course you know from personal experience that no one is invincible when it comes to addressing a threat.
This is not offered as criticism but as (hopefully) stimulus for dialog and possibly a teachable moment.