Aviate, navigate & communicate is most certainly not 'old tosh'. For those three simple words give the best guidance to any pilot when faced with a dilemma, whatever the experience level.
Homeguard
Have it your own way.
I was giving a different take on the subject. They may be three simple words but are still worth thinking about.
In this case the problem was under control but perhaps due to the stress of the situation the "navigate" didnt quite work.
A short communication would have prevented the infringement or at least AT would have been ready for it.
Aviate, navigate, communicate almost goes back to the dawn of flying when AT werent going to be much help and the navigation was down to the pilot.
Now that is not to say if you are comfortable with the situation iit is still a good "rule" to follow .. .. .. but if you realise you are surrounded by CAS and want to divert as quickly as possible whlst conscious you might be about to bust a corner of the CAS far better to annouce you have a problem .. .. .. and get some hlep with the navigation.
Worth thinking about perhaps?