Well said.
I also believe that when your number is up,it's up.... but it's up to you to decide if your going to pull your own number or pull someone else's number as well. That "yeehaw" flick of the wrist may give you a rush, but when your need for speed kills or maims some innocent, you lose all the street cred in an instant and become just another asshat.
Gear or no gear, HP or no HP, the best safety item you have resides between your ears....