When I parachute into rocky areas, I wear hard knee/shin guards with straps that velcro around my leg. I broke my tibia/fibula in June - and the hard guards were perfect for splinting my injury! (I know, that doesn't lead to the confidence you were talking about, but I've got to tell you, while I being moved around to get me to the hospital, I sure was happy that I had such a good splint!) So, while not bicycling related -- write it up to there are lots of good reasons to have pads!