On the face of it, requiring a MLU that can be rented for $5 doesn't seem to be an obscene burder, especially if you would like people to rescue you when you get in trouble.

However, no one seems to have asked what the rental will cost if a MLU it is suddenly absolutely required to get on the mountain - $5? $10? $50? $500?

By the way, it has been said that an MLU will not alert anyone that you are in trouble, it will only help if they are already looking for you. I understand that the system uses fixed recievers located on or around the mountain. What prevents them from listening all the time?