I don't know everything, but I'm not a beginner. I make the hopefully unnecessary apology for the gender pronouns used herein. I didn't invent the language, neither did the people I'm quoting. My attitude is that safety is not given by any gadget, but is a property of one's attitude and experience. Little is left to chance.
Equipment is a minor factor.
I also believe that reliance on prusik or mechanical safeties often causes a person to relax their vigilance. I can't prove that, I just believe it. Don Davison, Jr. The caver was asked to relinquish a 'firm' grip on the rope and relax in a panic situation. A second rope which reaches the ground is rigged from the same anchor.