Mid airs though rare are a possibility every time you take off. Just as a motor stalling, servo failure, stuctural failure. In over twenty years of flying I have not had a midair. I have some close calls but As i fly my plane I use my periphial vision to watch for other aircraft. If they come in to my view a quick check of their flight path will indicate whether there is a possible problem or not. This takes practice to learn.

I have flown MANY COMBAT MISSIONS with towing ribbons. I have gotten many cuts but never midaired.

IMHO if you learn to also watch the other Aircraft in the air when they get close. YOU can prevent a midair by flying AHEAD of your airplane not responding in that moment. I always fly three to five seconds ahead of my plane. I know what I am going to do way before I do it.

There are guys that fly at the fields I fly at that when certain people go up I land immediately. I do not trust their flight skill so I want to be on the ground so I can watch them so if I have to run for cover I can.

In summary fly at your own risk. As far as that guy flying against the pattern established. I have seen this many, many times. I then have two choices. Land the plane or let him have the airspace and go real high until I can get an opportunity to land. I also yell loudly if I am going to land. If other guys pass it along the flight line then he should have the respect to give you the runway so you can land.