Maybe you should watch the NY Saddle hunter videos. One of the duo is an arborist climber.Where I live we have tall trees and the big limbs with nice green leaves that fall has me believe what the tree guys say, “there are no safe branches “. The risk may be minimal but not one I want to assume. I ave watched quite a few videos and it seems like a lot of work and risks. I’m not sure why it’s so popular, maybe I’m watching the wrong videos.
There are a few people on other bow hunter sites that prefer that kind of climbing.
Its the second safest climbing method in my opinion with 2TC being the safest. The dangerous part is really in the knocking down of dead/weak limbs as you're getting the ropes set up.
With sticks, you always risk having kick outs and gashing yourself on them if you fall.