Before this thread gets any nastier, I would like to point out to Mike T that SAR are forced to come and get folks. A couple of years ago in Denali when the NPS was giving me "the talk" because they were quite concerned and unhappy I was planning a 5 day solo hike, I told them I would gladly sign a do not rescue waiver. The ranger said, "son, the minute mom calls here looking for you we have to go, because the next call is coming from some politician's office, followed shortly by the TV folks." I think the conversation regarding what is unacceptable risk - both for "adventurers" and rescuers, and how we judge who should pay in what circumstances, are a interesting questions that really need greater clarification.