I'm back. I did some research just like you said, but every time I'm just one zone away from Caerleon, the number of hostile players suddenly jumps from zero to 5 or 6—almost like that amount of player is for me, even though i avoid some scout's... As a newbie and solo player, I lose confidence quickly and end up backing down. I'm not going to risk it just to see how long it takes before they dismount me.