Yup, that's me. Stomping around on big plywood feet to freak out the tourists. It's totally a hoot. ;-)

Seriously, though, if the risks of a trip justify the expense and invasiveness of a PLB, as an absolute last line of defense, by all means take one.

But in assessing those risks, you have to account for critical factors involving the experience, level of judgement, and preparation of the individuals involved. Is the degree of risk acceptable? In many cases, I think it is.

I have to say that all the close calls I've had were on the highway while driving toward wilderness. That's the high risk activity IMO.