If you choose to meet in a populated area like a shopping mall, chances of getting mugged are much lower. Yes, cameras will see you. But what is the probability of some body watching the camera feed and finding out Charles-Tim sells or purchases Bitcoin Peer to Peer versus the probability of some body watching your Bank account and finding out Charles-Tim sells or purchases Bitcoin Peer to Peer. Just my thoughts.
I don't have any bad experience dealing randomly with face-to-face so I agree but the risk is very different. Why? Because if someone unknown people deal with you face to face your life is also at risk the buyer/seller or somebody from surveillance might become a stalker and kill you behind then stole your crypto/money that's the worst thing than letting other people watch my bank account.