Ivan, I learnt nav as an RN observer (basically a navigator with extra duties on top), I have also taught ppl nav and seen many people doing it wrong and getting lost, if you fly the aircraft even semi accurately you will fly from one checkpoint to the next one 10 mins or more apart with no problem even in low vis. the biggest cause of people getting lost I see is that they do exactly what you seem to be talking about and find points on the map every couple of miles, they then spend so much time looking at the map that they fail to see what they want to see outside. Much better to spend your time looking outside for a few GOOD checkpoints than have your head inside keep looking to see what might be comming up in the next mile or so.
Your technique may work for you and you may be able to get it over to someone face to face but prsonally I would advise against the checkpoint every 2 mile technique as a general method of navigating.
nb I do agree with your thoughts re fancy gadgets and overcomplicated procedures. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
[ 05 January 2002: Message edited by: foxmoth ]</p>