Speaking as an ex-SAR and police pilot, I'd say for your own safety (if not for ATC reasons) when operating over inhospitable terrain it makes sense to file relevant waypoints and EET's (and to stick closely to the route if possible).
However, in addition, as per the ANO, a "responsible person" should be flight following, for alerting reasons. This could be anyone of your choosing, your operations where applicable, an ATCO, a relative or friend, or someone expecting you at the arrival point.
Then you have an alerting system and a positive search start point, irrespective of how your actual VFR flight plan was dealt with in the meantime. A VFR flightplan can obviously be retrieved from the system if necessary.
There is nothing more difficult than starting a search from an area of unknown dimensions. This increases the search area exponentially and greatly reduces your chances of being found in a timely manner.
Last edited by ShyTorque; 17th August 2012 at 17:01.
Reason: oops, typo.