One reason people don't return the signal mirrors with non-functional aiming mesh that Doug Ritter describes in his article (Click this link to read the article: Phony Signal Mirrors ) is that people who've never used a mirror with a retroreflective aimer mesh don't know what to expect.

They mistake the reflected light from the mirror for the "bright light spot" "aim indicator" described in the instructions on the back of the mirror.

If you've never used such a mirror (or want to describe it to someone who hasn't) click on this link: Photo of view through aimer.

The three photos there are large, with detailed descriptions - this post has only short captions and thumbnails.

(1) The view of the reflected mirror light on your hand:
(2) The view through the aimer:
(3) The view of the "fireball" against the sky (that's not the sun)



Similar photos are in my handy printable instruction sheet:
http://www.equipped.org/pp/pic2042.htm

Doug Ritter's illustrated instructions are here:
http://www.equipped.org/psp/psp_rescueflash.htm