#solo hiking

I feel like the trend of mandatory buddy systems for hiking is a bit overblown... maybe we're losing some of the solitude and self-reliance that makes hiking so appealing in the first place?? I've had some of my most transcendent experiences on the trail when I've been completely alone, and I worry that we're inadvertently creating a culture where people are afraid to challenge themselves without a crutch. I'm not saying safety isn't important, but can't we find a better balance... between caution and personal freedom?