Hi Io540
Yep I agree with all you say(all this agreeing with people

). I think its called Situational Awareness (some great terms these days to replace airmanship). A radio (if you have one) does help ESP if you have to ask a pilot of VP retract if you can cut inside
I would love to have a good short reply to your last paragraph. But sadly you have hit a Major problem with GA. And that sir is another Thread.
Off to bed
Night night
Wide