Well, the only thing I can add to your post from experience on the trail is this- I, personally, was extremely nervous about hiking with my daughter before we set out to hike, 112 miles from Davenport Gap heading north. My husband was not at all concerned about our safety. (daughter was not worried) Once I got out there, my fears diminished greatly when we found a male hiking partner the first night out. I just feel better hiking with at least 1 other person with me and also the "male factor" gives me more security.
I was feeling very confident, the next morning, as I chatted with the passing hikers. One of the first hikers we spoke 2 was very friendly to us. As he was about to hike on, he turned to me and politely said, "Angel, I wouldn't be so friendly & chatty with everyone you meet on the trail". "Do not tell everyone your hiking plans for the day." "I'm a "good guy" but not everyone you meet out here can be trusted." (Would he have given that same advice to a male hiker?) He just confirmed everything I believed, myself, about female hikers on the trail. I think there are males out there that truly believe that we (females) are at a disadvantage/target b/c of our sex. It's sad to think that this may be true but only because of the male mentality, it has nothing to do with us as females. I have not taken steps to ensure that "they" can's mess with me so I do feel somewhat vunerable.
I'm a friend of a women's FB page for planning their 2013 thru hike. These women are some badarse women. There is one woman on there that chased down a bear that had stolen her pack. She got it back 2. Some are taking self defense classes. No one would want to mess with these gals. They are going out prepared, to say the least.
I know your post has more to do with appearing helpless/clueless. It may all be part of the same "male mentality". Whatever it is, it needs to be changed.