I still cannot justify the cost of a PLB. I think the concept is very good, great in fact. I also think it should take standard lithium batteries, be more water resistant and as a limited radio transmitter, cost much less than it currently does.
I wish James Kim had one along when he ventured off the Interstate. Myself, I will stick with amatuer radio, cell phones and perhaps rent a sat phone if I wonder way off the beaten path.
I do not see any debate here really, just a few good folks with some differnt perspectives on the beacon issue being proposed in Oregon. I appreciate your opinion on the PLB issues and they are certainly a move forward in wilderness emergency location. They are just not the ultimate safety answer for all who venture into the wilderness, just one potential option with some limitations that could be overcome.
If you continue your efforts perhaps someday they will be less expensive, take standard lithium batteries and become more durable. I think we would all appreciate some improvements, beyond the recently intoduced models of PLBs.