All of these methods involves risk taking so It is up to each individual to make a proper evaluation of the costs and the risks involved in any such project.
Yes exactly, every activity related to Bitcoin always involves its of risks to take. Whether we are using it for investment (both long term or short term), trading, staking, mining, gambling, using as a currency if possible, and others.
We may need to decide which one is better and really suitable for us, moreover if we are new enough.
the first thing is of course to learn about those and we can decide which is easiest and most suitable for us.
However, sometimes the activities are against the regulations in some countries where we may not be able to use BTC as a currency, not able to mining, and others.
Learning these alts will take time as you go along this crypto journey.
You will understand how pump and dump coins perform in the market or possible exit scam in the making.
You can't tell it at the start but if you closely follow the project, you will acquire some hints what are they doing to ensure the project will survive.