Good update. NOLS certainly has a lot of credibility.

This little bit is a bit disconcerting. If one is miles into the wilderness, carrying someone out is going to be tough, particularly in steep, brushy, snow-covered, or other difficult terrain. A big group would be helpful inasmuch as you could rotate the carriers to prevent exhaustion, but I ususally hike with one or two other guys, hardly a group big enough to have effective rotation.

I'd definitely be pulling out my PLB, particularly if I were multiple days away from the nearest trailhead.