Wonderful post bose-x.
Like you I am so tired of those who advocate only using maps and stopwatch navigation. Even Bomber Harris recognised his crews need more, hence OBO and H2S.
Why is it not recognised that modern car engines with no mixture control, spark advance, carburetor, magneto, and one plug per cylinder, reliably run for over 100,000 miles with no problem, and yet we still have deal with all that 1930's technology in a relatively modern GA aircraft. Same Thinking?
Perhaps those of you that fly (VFR) in a small country with lots of nicely observable ground points, would be well served to spend a little time in an environment that offers very few observable navigation aids to the eye, sometimes for hundreds of miles. Such an experience might cause you reassess your opinion of GPS. Knowing exactly where you are may well prove a life saving piece of knowledge.
Anyone who fly's cross country without the best navigational technology in his hand or in his panel, isn't a safe pilot, IMHO.
Regards,
WB.