I always thought the "climbing sticks" looked kinda risky, but on a tree that has no limbs for 30 feet up, there's not a lot of choice unless you use a climber. I've had the screw in steps move when I stepped on them. It's not a problem, but sometimes it will surprise you a little. All this stuff has risk involved in it. It is never totally safe. You just have to make it as safe as you can.

I've thought about making a steel "hook" that you could attach to your harness tether. You could hang it over limbs as you climb the first time to put the stand up or hang your safety rope.