BP - I concede that money is, of course, an issue for many - and I certainly do not mean to imply that it is irresponsible for those who cannot afford a PCAS to fly without one. However, that is a very different consideration from those who can easily afford one and yet consider that they either do not need it - or else do not understand the contribution it can make to their safety - and the safety of others of course!
And neither GPS nor PLBs will not stop you from hitting someone else. GPS is great, but old-fashioned map and stop-watch navigation will teach more valuable basic skills and I would personally recommend investing in a PCAS before a GPS - subject to each individual's specific needs and circumstances of course. Certainly, acquiring a GPS too soon will provide little incentive to master the basics, and leaves one poorly placed when the GPS fails!
Peter - actually, I would recommend flying at 1900 ft, or 1800 ft - anything other than the nice even numbers that everyone else invariably flies at!!