For about 6 years I had to spend 1 week of every month in Guadalajara, on business. I never felt unsafe. Guadalajara was a nice town, I liked it and my Spanish was good enough to get around. It has been about 10 years now and I don’t think I would want to go now.
In the early 80's my former college roommate was attending the Autonoma in Guad. I traveled down there several times while he was there. Trips to Carayes or PV were great times. Never felt unsafe or at risk.
Unfortunately times change in negative directions. Very sad really as the Mexican people are great.