Originally Posted by Fuji Abound
With the jacket, as long as you inflate it before you leave the aircraft at least you should float.
Fuji, you didn't mean that, I think. Under no circumstances should a jacket
ever be inflated inside the aircraft - it will at the very least impede your escape, and at the worst it will prevent it, especially if you need to egress through any opening that's in the water.
I fully agree with the remainder of your points, though. Training helps and should be encouraged, but not taking training probably won't kill you, whereas not having the kit at all might well. Taking the time to become familiar with the necessary actions is obviously worthwhile, too.