I haven't found Richard either, but some of my people who disappeared without trace emigrated. One or two led colourful lives down-under such that they got a mention in the newspapers. I have looked for Richard on Trove and PapersPast but haven't found him. There were, however, other people with that surname. May be worth looking for disappearing uncles / cousins too because Richard would have been rather young to make his way alone.
As for Ancestry hints as you describe, I have put it down to other researchers having established those connections in their trees. I have noticed this with marriages and dates of death. OK, some of the names aren't particularly common, but they're not unique either. Can't help feeling this doesn't guarantee such hints are accurate ...