People wise, there just aren't sketchy people waiting 6 miles back on a trail who are going to give you problems.

I mostly agree with this, except for the handful of times I have stumbled across a meth/tweaker camp, a grow operation, or angry territorial mushroom foragers (who can be some of the worst folks to encounter in the middle of nowhere). Mushroom hunters are fiercely protective of "their spot", in a way that someone who has to rely on street parking in front of their home can only dream of.

I've solo hiked well over a hundred times over my life (I prefer it) and only had maybe half a dozen weird encounters (with other humans), but the isolation when such things happen makes them feel considerably more threatening.

Any good solo trekker plans for the worst, so I wouldn't dismiss the utility of a firearm (and the required proficiency), even if your game plan is to retreat and use your beacon for a distress call.

I've had numerous encounters with wildlife that had me ready to shoot (can't turn your back and run from many animals, they will charge and gore or maim you). When you are in the wild, animals may not retreat, as they are used to defending their territory/young (or are predators and view you as a rather easy target due to your complete lack of stealth and awareness compared to most of their prey).

I consider injury, sudden storms (in certain parts of the state), and getting lost the top threats-followed by animals, gear failure, illness, transportation failure, and many many other things before human threat.

Again, it is important when traveling solo to plan for complete self reliance-so I don't dismiss the human threat, I just have a VERY low level of worry over it (and a pretty simple mitigation strategy: deescalate, cautiously retreat, and continue away from the area until I feel safe).

The above has never failed me thus far.