I really enjoyed reading the OP and the comments. The analogy of driving and rope suspension rings true to me. They are both very mental and physical acts, requiring study, instruction, and practiced muscle memory.
Both driving and rope suspension and shibari can go badly wrong with the slightest accident or error in judgement. For instance, assuming the other side of the blind corner has a stop sign, and just plowing through, can lead to a fatal accident.
Or, a green light ahead at an intersection DOES NOT mean that all the cars are stopped and patiently waiting, especially in Houston. Assuming they are can get you killed.
Fear that making an error in driving judgment should not keep you from driving, however, but it should make you always conscious of your own potential to err, and the probability of others’ erring.
Similarly, there has to be a constant internal monitor in rope suspension considering everything that can go wrong, and then realizing everything CAN ABSOLUTELY go wrong despite your most careful attention.
I’ll bet other rope tops have come to the very pleasant realization that tying a TK and staying on the ground is so much more fun, sensual, connecting than constantly worrying about potential disaster that can happen in suspension.
After a Nerve and Joint clinic with @MissDoctor we were visiting about how dangerous the TK was. This could happen, that could happen, permanent injury could occur. One of the newer people in the group mentioned that they would NEVER tie a TK because it would cause injury.
Someone else said, “You know, we’re just talking about suspension, right?”.
Oh, yeah. A TK is very safe ON THE GROUND. All the rope incident reports have one thing in common: suspension.
Just because you CAN suspend, doesn’t mean you SHOULD.
Rope suspension is a very dangerous athletic activity. Other analogies are pole-vaulting, football, skiing, race-car driving, diving, parachuting, parkour, skate-boarding, acrobatics, etc.
The rope bottom has to be just as skilled as the rope top.
I have veered off my basic premise, which was appreciating the analogy promulgated by the OP, so I’ll just close it here. Thanks for the great post.