Centaurus,
It seems these days 'newbie' instructors are teaching too much reliance on the radio and not enough emphasis on lookout. And I don’t mean the cursory glance from side to side, but the full 360 degree check low, level and high.
Congestion of a radio frequency defeats its purpose. Radio reliance may also lead to a false sense of security as other operators may not be radio equipped or just can’t get a word in. PTT switches and boom mikes have a lot to answer for!