PLB's are such a good idea that I'm surprised we're even debating it. Does everyone need one? I doubt it. But most would agree it's better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it. As the prices come down, and for electronics prices usually do, I expect I'll eventually buy one. It certainly won't replace survival skills for several reasons. First, the unit could fail. Or you could be in a remote area where the rescue could take a couple days even if your location is known- this isn't all that uncommon, and I've read that in the bulk of rescues the victims are still carried out on foot. Certainly if you trigger your PLB near sundown a chopper isn't going to rescue you at night. You'd best have some shelter and fire at a minimum to see you thru til morning.