Thanks, ShyTorque
If I read between the lines of your response correctly, is it in fact the case that filing a VFR Flight Plan does not guarantee any reliable extent of "flight following" from ATCO (?) and that I really ought to be telling someone (friend, relative, etc) the essential details about my flight (waypoints, EET) since they would be the ones who, in essence would be noticing I didn't show up around the expected time ?
Presumably an IFR Flight Plan is treated very differently (they don't need to tell a relative ! -- pro-active flight-following by ATCO (?) would ensure the helicopter is scrambled if no-show, etc).
Your point is well-taken re searching an area of unknown dimensions. I do carry a GPS-enabled emergency beacon -- but, of course, the question is whether I would be in a position to properly enable that device in an emergency etc...
Given your comments and those from the other responders, I'm still not quite sure if there is any true value in filing a VFR Flight Plan, in itself (yes, point taken about informing friend/relative etc).