I really can't judge these climbers, but considering they ARE experienced, climbing Mt. HOOD, climbing IN DECEMBER, climbing in the YEAR 2006, I think I would have invested less than $500 in a PLB before I went on that "trapse."

In those kind of weather conditions or when there is potential for them, it should now be the norm to have a PLB. Cost, though, one might say. Well, when it's that dangerous and you can put so many more people at risk like is happening in this situation now, it should be said "If you can't afford the PLB, you can't afford the climb" when the weather is bad or can get bad.