I can't make up my mind if I'm disagreeing or not. I don't think so, but it might sound like it. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Scenario 1: I'm a pilot, it's VFR conditions, I'm far enough up when the engine quits to pick my spot. I note my position on the map. I land. Now I'm all turned around... I know where I'm at, but which way was the farm house? Where's north? Get out a cheap compass, find north, head for the farm house / road / etc. I don't need a GPS. Don't need a fancy compass. Just need North.

Scenario 2: I'm in a strange city. I have a street map. I just came out of the subway. Which way is North? Get out a cheap compass. Find North. Now I know which way to walk.

Etc.

Often, it's enough to know "where's North?". Sure, a GPS is awesome, and nice compass is great if you know how to use it, have maps for it and need to use it. But I think a lot of navigation problems reduce to "where's North?". That's why the cheap, no frills compasses are usually adequate.