Can't argue with you about the ferocity of the Great Plains thunderstorms; never seen anything like them since I left Kansas. However, I spent 10 years in the lightning capital, Florida.

I remember starting a similar thread after one night in an electrical storm. They are quite scary when hanging from trees. Generally, I like to pick spots that are lower ground to begin with, ravines are nice. I also look for dense pockets of trees, figure my odds go down with more targets. But, in the end, it kind of boils down to a matter of faith for me. It either is or isn't; it's either my time or it's not.

There was one time that a storm snuck up on me in Florida. Too much to deal with, I broke camp and started walking. After about 30 minutes I realized I was still a target, probably more so with a pack strapped on my back. I haven't run from lightning since, but I don't always sleep peaceably through it either.