"I am far more likely to spot the "traffic" when looking occasionally at the CDI than staring at a map on my knees!!!"
True, that's why the military teach pilots to hold the map up to the coaming when taking a look at it and definitely NOT rest it on your knees.
The real danger is at the turning point. If you are looking in at the CDI or VOR needle in order to judge your turn, just remember that the guy coming the other way or from your right is likely to be doing just the same thing....
Having said that, the more VFR aircraft there are going over the beacon, the safer for me because I won't be.
