Originally Posted by Peterpan1
1) The first world has confidence that if they emulate the latest JackAss stunt and break a tailbone, they are going to be rescued in most situations.
This is exactly what came to my mind. I think rather than NOT pushing their limits, people push them a lot, and often don't have the resources or plan B ready if something goes wrong.
For example, our coast guard rescue missions are reported to be increasingly related to simple problems. Such as GPS device failures (no backup map / compass), misreading the nautical route markers and other posted signs, basic mechanical failures (including running out of fuel). None of these would have been a major issue 20-30 years ago, not even for a recreational boat owner .
--J