I guess having read of actual incidents and discussed it with my wife and sons and outfitter, not that they all agree, I'll stick with the Spot 2 three messages, summarized:  I'm OK; Pick me/us up at nearest EP or access point; and I'm/we're not able to get back on my own but I'm/we're OK for now.  I was struck by reports of actual usage and the desire for something less drastic than SOS.

Since I've never even considered one of these other than I'm OK, who knows if they are good.  The not able to get back message needs some preplanning, including looking at time, area, weather, and maybe deciding to call for a rescue.  On a motor route - like Basswood - maybe call outfitter and see if they can send a boat.  Or do nothing and see if it changes before I hit the SOS.

Not perfect, but seems better than just I'm OK and SOS, or, with a PLB, nothing and the nuclear option.