IO540,
With regard to accurate flying, and to recognising terrain, you said:
But both these skills are lacking in fresh pilots
I agree, to a certain extent. But how are new pilots supposed to gain these skills, if not by using them?
I have never used a GPS in anger. I have one in my aircraft, I very rarely use it, especially not in moving map mode. In VFR conditions, I'd much rather practice flying accurately and recognising terrain. After 300-ish hours, I'm starting to get better at it, but I still make mistakes. Not bad enough mistakes to get me into trouble, but enough that I know I need more practice. Having the GPS is a nice safety feature, but I would never contemplate cancelling a trip because of a lack of VFR.
My advice to GrassStrip would be: if you have money to spare, it would be better spent on more flying than it would on a GPS. Especially at this stage in your flying career.
FFF
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