While I could not agree more with you on the importance of knowledge, I am sure we all can agree it is the most important survival tool we have in our possession. However, unlike those of us here and most likely a few other forums, the average person does not dwell or think much about survival tools and techniques. We are not anything special or superior in anyway, except to say we are passionate about the topic. We love to explore, experiment and discuss this subject and sometimes feel that others should be as “responsible” as many of us here believe we are. If I were a betting person, I would suspect this individual went to the Hunting/Sports store, saw the package and all of the manufacture’s hype and thought that this was a vital piece of equipment to have – just in case. Truthfully, I have not read any of the details on this individual’s experience or his/her rational to use the device, so I do not know if this was their first line of defense or their last, but I am willing to wait before passing judgment. You, as well as all others, should feel free to make that decision for yourselves, which is what is great about this forum. I cannot speak for those who have lost life and property and will not speak for the various rescue personal, as to whom is at fault, but I will speak for myself. As one who responds to situations where people have made poor choices, resulting in the need for rescue, I do not hold the opinion that these individuals made “dumb” choices that now place my life in jeopardy. No, I made the conscious decision to pursue this form of public service and it my decision alone. If, I too become victim at a rescue incident, it was based upon an informed decision; I would not place the blame on anyone else. Pete