Mariner9,
Thanks for your explanation. Although your description is really about the execution of the flight rather than the planning (where I think the problems probably root). In essence, you are saying that so long as the pilot is trained, so long as they follow the correct procedure and so long as the database is up to date, they won't have any problems.
My contention is exactly the same without GPS. I must admit to getting a little frustrated when the blame is placed on visual rather than magenta navigation. DR is not a high workload procedure and so long as you are properly trained, follow the correct procedure and are up to date with ais.org.uk you will not have any problems.
GPS or not, situational awareness is everything.