It's not just about preserving your food. It's about protecting the bears. The old saying is "a fed bear is a dead bear". It is worth the "hassle" to protect them?

It sounds like you're debating whether you should hang your food because of the (perceived) low probability of a bear encounter. You may be venturing into an area where the overall density is very low. But you have no way of knowing whether or not you're camping where those few bears are actively foraging. In those areas the density of bears is high. Why take the chance?

Following your line of logic, why should you fasten your seat belt while driving in the early morning hours when fewer cars are on the road?

Remember, Mr. Murphy is always lurking around the corner.