I think you have some very good points Arney.
i, too, live in california and consider these various issues from time to time. i agree w/the points you raise.
I am suspicious of quick and easy answers.
especially when they come in emails.
Particularly when the methods promoted seem to be based in anecdotal evidence, personal observation. Not backed up by any real research.
especially from a guy who seems to be self-promoting.
Assuming you take a few seconds to figure out it is an earthquake, and one serious enough to worry about, your going to be running short of time and likely to find any activity challenging.
and that's the dilemma.