Where can I find meta-alloys without taking a risky fight?

You need a large Barnacle Forest. Not small ones.

Places: There is a list of known places with barnacles. Pick any with the largest "No. of Meta Alloys" and go there. I'm sure it's not the only place when you can find a fresh "list of known large barnacle forests".

Fight: There might be a thargoid drones. They are not very dangerous and can be taken down just as easily as regular human-made drones. They might ignore you as well.

Tools: Don't forget to take SRV, Surface Scanner, and Fuel Scoop.

Important: if you see a huge creepy Thargoid ship flying around - don't try to attack it and it won't attack you.

Fly safe CMDR! o7