People in the thread were talking about computer security mostly, though. In the end, the best "protection" is that insurance will reverse your losses in case security fails. Something a lay person "securing" their bitcoins on their own computer won't have.
Also, banks are protected in a way since they don't really hoard cash or valuables. They invest it which spreads out the risk.
Furthermore, the federal government will go after criminals to recover money. Good luck getting them to help you with BTC theft.