It strikes me as particularly odd when a settlement pleads with me to stop the incursions of ghouls, Raiders, or Supermutants that are coming from halfway across the map. Ghouls in particular. Do they really NOT interact with any of the numerous intervening locations -- often including other settlements -- on their way to harass that one settlement begging for assistance? "Help us!" quests really should target nearby foes.

The only exceptions I have seen are the kidnapping scenarios. Kidnappers would generally be most interested in easy pickin's rather than close proximity. That would allow for grabbing a hostage from pretty much anywhere, and then demanding ransom.