The location I think, does not matter that much, after all 'a few years' have now passed. To me, the important thing is that it could happen, or it might never happen! The scenario is possible however, especially for people like me who live in a city, maybe less likely up on the hills? I can only do what I've always done, for example when walking towards people, perhaps late at night after a few drinks and your antennae tells you to be careful, what do you do, brazen it out, cross the road, etc? I can only do what I do!
During my hiking career I have met some odd people, some would say very odd indeed. I was once attacked in my bed in the Keswick YHA and even asked by a copper if I had a bomb in my rucksack, things happen!