As an Over 40 riding the clubman route (normally the middle route in the North West/Yorkshire) I often don't drop that many, but, with dodgy knee's and my own business to run I can't risk throwing myself at big rocks etc, so yes for a lot of us perhaps its fear. I guess if asked I would happily ride on a no award basis, so others can pick awards and get the encouragement they need.
Green routes and 50/50 have been a good development as well and these do give you a chance to push a little harder without having to risk the big stuff.