Had I got out the map, or even replied to ATC, my lookout would have been impaired. Where the transmissions beneficial? In this instance not at all.
Surely replying to ATC saying, "I think you may be referring to me, I'm around that height and this is my estimated position", and finding that ellusive ident button on the transponder when asked to wouldn't have been that difficult?
If you were looking for that traffic as a result of the ATC concerns, then I would suggest the transmissions were indeed beneficial. Sounds like there was an airprox (correct me if I'm wrong), but were you responding to their actions or does your normal routine prevent you from using any other equipment in the aircraft (including maps or your radio)?
