[anm89]

From the story it doesn't even appear that they attempted an ID until after they were very ill.

Back to the car analogy, if someone kills themself driving down the wrong side of the highway we don't all give up on driving because it is unsafe.

Yes you can definitely kill yourself foraging mushrooms. It's exceptionally unlikely with even a small bit of precaution and common sense but of course if you disregard all of that you are putting yourself at huge risk. Just like almost every other activity that involves some risks.

[lovemenot]

The article is only about prevalence of P. Sem. (Liberty cap).

In my experience and in a network of many other people, there are precisely ZERO little brown mushrooms having BOTH a passing resemblance to p. sem. in any conditions (dry/wet or young/old) AND are noxious let alone dangerous.

If its your first time, be cautious, take a good book. On a dry day P. Sem. is easier to distinguish from other species that are safe but wrong. One day of successful foraging and you will know P. Sem. well enough in the wet too.

If it has the characteristic nipple, it is certainly what you are looking for. If not,well it may be, but you can just leave it until your skill improves.

Finally, needless to say, the moment the first mushroom enters your mouth, foraging is over for the day.

[anm89]

This advice is only going to be true in your region. If someone picks up a guidebook for your region and it says that they are safe to pick there then I'm all for it

This is exactly why most foraging illnesses happen to travelers because some thing that is true in a specific place is frequently not true in other places.