I am one of those people. Indeed hitchhiking has contributed to my world view that our planet is largely composed of good and friendly people. And while I cannot advocate hitchhiking for anyone, in some places the risk of violence is moderate, and the benefits can be great. If one passes you by it's full, a local, or you're having an invisible day. In this age what hitchhikers see and do and learn may not make headlines, but on a personal level their achievements are impressive.
Hitchhikers have no mission control to ask advice and no alternate switches to switch.
Backup systems are feet and possibly a tiny umbrella. For me, hitchhiking is travel at its most fascinating. I usually feel I hardly know a country until I've stood by one of its roads and waited for someone to give me a ride. Hitchhiking is also great sport, replete with a roller coaster of emotion. When you get a good ride, interesting conversation, or an invitation for tea to meet the family, hitchhiking can be pretty darn good.