scenario2 scratching

Scenario 2: Scratching. We fly with reserve parachutes in case we hit unrecoverable turbulence. But a reserve requires some height to open. Perhaps you shouldn't try thermaling until you're far enough from the hill to deploy the reserve. This would minimize your time in the no-fallback zone.
Once you're working a thermal, you have to decide when it is safe to begin circling. What if you had a collapse or flew out of the thermal in the middle of your turn? Would you have enough clearance from the hill? If not, you're too low to be circling.
In smooth ridge lift, it might be okay to scratch low. But even then, a random gust or piloting error could cause you to hit the ground. As a backup, you need to fly upright, so you can tuck and roll if you come down hard.