Most attackers don't brute force passwords any more. They start with known user/pass combinations and credential stuffing. So, reusing a password is one of the biggest problems people have.

Once you get past the "easy" part, it becomes more likely that your account will be compromised via a data breach or poor "security questions" that allow a password reset if the attacker knows other information about you. That's how Sarah Palin's email was broken into.

After those don't pan out, then the question moves into cost vs. value of the accounts. As you point out, brute forcing no longer takes effort, it only takes time and money. Just pick a reasonably difficult password so that won't be the weakest link.

I doubt it. It took out the column on the porch without slowing it down much. Might have deflected it a bit, but that's about all.
Chain link on the other hand probably would have stopped it.

I thought it was the Church of Big O' Tires, but then I realized they were all non-smokers.

"I got better!" (Yes, wrong scene, I know.)

The ads are online, but some scammers will talk to you on the phone. A friend of mine nearly got bit by a puppy scam a couple of months ago. The seller claimed there were many people interested in the last puppy available. They said they would hold the dog for them if they put down a deposit either through Western Union, Walmart pay services, or Paypal "friends and family." The "friends and family" option does not offer a purchase dispute or refund.
When my friend offered to drive over(2hr trip) and pay for the dog right then and there, the seller said no, just send the money and the dog will be reserved. They wouldn't offer up any new photos of the puppy, or any alternatives. They just kept pushing my friend to send money.
So my friend looked up the address and it was a highrise apartment with a strict no pets rule. I wish my friend had saved the photos because I am pretty sure there never was a puppy at all. I totally expected to find the photo online in a reverse image search.

You said it. Next up:
Most balloons popped by a single dart throw.
Most balloons popped by a single ninja star.
Most balloons popped with his teeth!

Indeed. I am seeing more people spending time outside at my place lately. They are out walking dogs more. Jogging. Riding bikes.They just aren't standing around talking to each other.

There's nothing wrong with being outside. If you aren't going bars, buffets, sporting events, or other large crowds then there's minimal risk. We can be smart about going out.