I do the same, plus a (heavily) modified hosts file and simplewall (https://github.com/henrypp/simplewall).

This exactly my list (except with different software for 4)). Have been running Windows since Win3.1, and haven't 'caught' anything bad yet; worst was adware that somehow escaped detection inside installer for an old version of Delphi.

Despite the fear-mongering, a lot of it comes down to common sense; don't click on links in dodgy emails, use adblockers for torrent sites etc. Most people get trapped by fairly basic stuff that more experienced computer / Windows users sidestep effortlessly, IMO and IME.