I do think one of the attractions of UAVs is not exposing people to the same degree of hazard. I wouldn't say it's a hazard-free environment. If the system is actually based in theatre, then.... I think you were describing a very well protected part of Kandahar airfield, which was where those drones were based.
I want to also note that mental problems can be caused by two operators, even very far out of theatre, because they're watching what happens, and they know they're the ones who have caused whatever, where they've attacked. If there are humans involved, it can be very troublesome.
You don't have to write a letter to the next of kin when one of these is shot down. That is a significant advantage.
I'm not convinced that's our problem in NORAD. That's really a deployed sort of problem, I believe, but if we're focusing on NORAD, I'd treat that a little less strongly.