BTW the aversion to going for it in these spots is a known cognitive bias called the
Zero-risk bias. People generally prefer complete elimination of one risk over simple reduction of a second, even when the simple reduction gets rid of more risk than the elimination. In this case, punting completely eliminates one risk (that of losing straightaway because you don't get the first down), while going for it reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk that you will lose due to a game-winning Saints drive. In the mind of people who aren't EV nerds, elimination > reduction, it's that simple.