Perhaps your right, I live east of Dalhart Texas (northwest Texas) we have some very strong unpredictable winds up here that combined with open ranges things can get interesting to say the least.
I know I didnt say everything the way it should have been said too
But stating that taking off in a cross wind or downwind is not more dangerous if you know what your doing........... I think that is a little off
Just so folks will not say I am full of bull I will refer you to Dave Patrics column in Model Airplane News March 2007 (Scale Maneuvers) He talks about the Top Gun Contest and cross wind takeoffs and that there is a strong cross winds at that field that "claims several planes"
I would say if they are flying in the Top Gun contest they know what they are doing.....
Look I am no pro in no way. and will say that I have a long way to go before I can even say I am close
But as a Truck driver I have learned one important fact no matter how much experience you have shxx happens. At most times it is when you think you have it all wooped
I think its all about odds you lower those odds with experiance true but it is still odds and taking off with the wind or in crosswinds increase the odds of mishapps