Fear is sensational. Fear sells. That's where the, "If it bleeds it leads" phrase comes from. That's why news isn't just about puppies, even though most people like puppies a whole lot. It's also why so many amusement parks exist. That would be safe fear. Rock climbing is a different form. Free soloing is a more extreme form.

I agree that a lot of our problems arise from fears. Sometimes it's even displaced fears, but still fears. Still, I think it's overly simplifying to say that all fear is bad or that fear isn't desirable. The evidence is pretty strong that some fears are bad, but some fears are good, and still more are sought eagerly. It's really complicated.