Hey KF, et al - All good points.  What I have learned from this discussion is that these devices need not be intrusive.  Set 'em up, beam up, turn 'em off.  Done.  I can do that. 

I can also get over the notion that "reducing risk detracts from wilderness experience."  In reality, this idea is pretty much a figment of my imagination anyway. 

But I do find the squawk of electronics (think weather radio) annoying!  We covered this on another discussion thread: but quiet, peace, solitude, and serenity is a bit part of what I treasure about canoe country.  As someone wrote on this thread, I like to get away from cell phones and all the other ubiquitous gadgetry that seems to define our modern lives.  I don't think that's selfish.  And if I can send a signal that might give loved ones some of comfort knowing where to search for my bloated corpse, or just knowing I are "in touch," without the hum, whir, whiz, squawk, static...that seems like an easy and very reasonable tradeoff.  Clearly, I've got to get off my neanderthal ass and learn a bit more about these devices. 

Thanks for all the thoughtful comments.

prouboy