[mnehring]

If anything, I learned to stay away from trouble because I was much more knowledgeable about the likely outcome.

So you did learn something. Keeping a clear head, being observant, and not letting adrenaline take over and cloud your judgement are some of the best lessons. Even in Krav Maga, which was made for street survival, the first and primary lesson is observation and avoiding dangerous situations in the first place.

[Jeff Chandler]

the first and primary lesson is observation and avoiding dangerous situations in the first place

That is 99% of self defense.