I am about half and half. I do more difficult hikes solo. I think it is safer because I am not worried about taking care of anyone and am not distracted by conversation.

I used to hike with the local hiking club. There was eight people on a two night trip and I realized that only the trip leader and I had maps. Over the three days I would pull out my map and ask people to help me locate our position on the map. Only the trip leader and I were navigating. Sorry, but I just do not see how it makes me safer to be in the backcountry with a half dozen people that could not navigate well enough to get help and return.

A group is only as strong as the weakest link and unless everyone on the trip is capable of solo hiking then the group might not be safer than solo hiking.