There have been times that I have spent hours on TA gathering with no problem. There have been other times that I do the same only to be killed and lose almost everything I had. That's the risk I assume when I go. I'm not skilled at PvP so I know that I'll almost always lose in a TA confrontation. There are things you can do to increase your odds of getting out with all all your stuff intact--get on one of the servers that is least populated, go to TA during "off times" when fewer players are likely to be there, or go with a group of friends to watch each others' backs.
I get killed a lot and I never take it personally. The game's supposed to be fun and on TA getting killed is sometimes simply part of the game. Have fun!!