So I've been playing though the MM. Taking my time. Not turning in completions until I've fully updated the current settlements. Got them all hooked up. Etc.

So far I've have very few settlement attacks. In fact I've never had a call to go to a settlement for an attack, though two settlement did happen to be attacked while I was already there. No problems there at all.

But now a new set of quests has come up. Preston I've figured out and have been able to manage by just holding out turning in quest completions, but now all the sudden every time I go to Sanctuary a settler runs up to me and says their friend has been kidnapped. Literally I'll turn in one and as soon as I do another settler runs up to me with another kidnapping story. The last time I just paid the ransom just to not have to deal with it.

Is there anyway to slow this down? Right now my defense in Sanctuary equals my Water + Food. If I add some more defense does that do anything to stop the kidnappings? Does ANYTHING slow down or stop these things? It's gotten to the point where I'm thinking of moving my home base to some settlement with no one in it just so I can be left alone about the kidnappings (would be nice to get Preston to stop sleeping in my bed also since I can't assign him a bed like other settlers).

Thanks.

Nope, they are radiant repeat quests that you don't need to do. Nothing to do with defence.

So there is no lowering of happiness at the settlement if I just refuse?

I don't know, I assume it does not effect happiness if you don't do it.

What about companions. I know some of them like it when I agree to help. Will they 'dislike' it when I say no?

if they don't like it just say yes and don't do it