Well Well .All my training CPL/MULTI/IR training meant nothing if I believe all this. The first thing you do if you enter cloud on a vfr flight is climb to the MSA. Not much point in turning thru 180 degrees if you run into a hill. You may then proceed to call ATC or declare an emegency.ATC are not always aware of exact terrain values but if you fly at MSA then vectors are fine.Yes MSA is a safe IFR altitude and not a reference for normal VFR flight but if you enter cloud then you must climb to a safe altitude. Wheather that is 3452 which I think is technically correct or 3500 is open for debate. Most if not all uncontrolled airspace has a margin over terrain of 1000FT regardless of height of terrain for this purpose.