Very very sad news, a big loss to SAC and beyond. I enjoyed the witty and enthusiastic newsletters
On the subject of radios. Anywhere below 2500-3000' and you will struggle to pick up 119.875 - in addition I hear that freq may interfere with some GPSs.
In fact it can create more problems if you have crappy two way or just lose contact - from both sides of the R/T. I for one don't want to waste fuel time and money continually climbing back into R/T cover. I get enough voices in my head at work....
But, I would suggest anyone flying over remote areas buys and registers an EPIRB such as a McMurdo Fastfind.