I appreciate your concern but the fact of the matter is most people don’t need to know how IP works. That is why we’re here.
I think the reference to cars is correct in that it is a tool we expect to work without us knowing the intricacies. If the car is not working properly then we take it to the professional who’s made it his job to know how to fix it. I believe knowing the basics of car maintenance will make you safer and that ties closely to your point of network safety. I do think however that IP configuration falls into the realm of intricacies along with setting the timing on your Pinto.
As far as identity theft is concerned. I think a quality paper shredder would go further to protect the identity of the average home user than a secured wireless router. Both would be ideal though.
Dave.