MCSE, I don't understand your question <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> You were last on @ May 2003 with similar posts. People obviously buy or assemble what is readily at hand or presented by commercial interests. Then people slowly learn what is worthwhile and if so inclined assemble a premium kit. People have survived throughout time with the most rudimentary and humble bits of gear. Conversely, entire expeditions have disappeared into history books dragging a ship's desk. My PSK probably represents $100 to replace item by item. With past mistakes it's actually close to double that. Somebody with half a brain could assemble a basic kit for lunch money. Niether one will do much more than satisfy online forum egos unless the users somehow cut the 550 para- umbilical cord of armchair survival and go get cold,wet,lost,scared and dirty at least once.