Jim, as valid as your points are - if you don't search in the right area, you won't find what you are looking for.
The problem with the CG search predictor, as I understand it, is that modelling tidal drift and wind effect in open water is quite easy but when you have complex coastal variations and local anomalies, the computer just can;t cope.
I have been on many searches where the search boxes allocated have borne no reality to the situation or the casualty - search boxes for a person in the water which an olympic swimmer couldn't have reached at full pelt.
You can have all the clever search sensor technology you like but if you are looking in the wrong place it won't be any good,.