Maybe those you-are-on-your-own rules might be enforced in the death zone altitudes of the Himalayas, but the herd mentality here would likely crucify any SAR organization that tried it here.

Like the concepts of "free market" and "democracy," the ideas of "freedom" and "personal accountability" remain aspirations at best. Worthy aspirations to fight toward but not accurate descriptions of our daily circumstances in this very interdependent global society.

More on topic, I think preparedness education requirements that would reduce the cost of various licenses and permits to enjoy the outdoors might work.