IM(notso)HO.
One really needs to master spatial knowledge of the triangles of wind speed, track and the two norths (M & True), so if in flight one day all else fails, you still have your head & can visualise the needed triangles & navigate by dead reckoning !
Learning the basic CRP-1 is easy and the exam demonstrates this straightforward ability. What you do later is your business, but for 40 years mine still lives in my flight bag instantly ready to do service [without requiring i/p signal or batteries].
mikehallam