aardwolfe,
Though you haven't been the most frequent poster I would hardly consider you a newbie or troll. You have often posted interesting information and provoked good discussion. This may be another case (or not), in anycase, don't just shut-up and go away! That would be a loss to this forum.

I think that there are certainly an abundance of gear-heads here on this forum. (there are probably good statistically valid reasons why computer-using, internet frequenting, nerds are fascinated with gadgets) It is good to occasionally be reminded that survival is first a mind-set, secondly a skill set and lastly a set of gear.

OTOH, If you are in the Alaskan bush and a pond hopper plane comes to rescue you how are you going to be able to assess your go, no-go decision without the weather-band radio needed to get a forcast? <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

ramblings begin here
Doug is certainly one of the forum members here who may be capable of providing an answer to your question on the other forum. There may be other pilots on the forum also who can answer that question. Also, pilots aren't likely to take kindly to having untrained individuals question their judgement and may be reluctant to 1/2 educate a bunch of back-seat drivers.

Risk is a part of life and great risk is a part of an exciting life. To completely avoid being there when "it" happens you might stay home. I am sure that this isn't what you meant. I believe that any adult should be wise enough to take any level of considered risk that they wish. I think that reading this forum and other sources, getting some skills and gear, and keeping informed on the news are part of what allows me to consider the risks of my choices. I can't make anyone else any better at considering their risks (and many wouldn't if the could) That is sad. OTOH if someone else (like the pilot who came to rescue me from the alaskan bush) chooses a higher risk profile than I am comfortable I would like to be informed enough about the risks to make my own evaluation of the risks as part of deciding to accompany him. Trouble is, I can't become perfectly informed about everything so sometimes I will have to simply trust others evaluation of the risks and if they turn out to be less conservative than I. I will have to pray.

I guess I'd rather be the SAR individual than the consumer of SAR services. Which is why I volunteer on the EMS in my town and particpate in HAM Emergency communications. With sufficient time and cash I would probably join up with CAP and get certified for light plane rescue missions.