Jim, I can't argue with your logic. You are dead on. That is why I do the following:

1. bring two google space shots at different zoom scales
2. bring two topos at different zoom scales. Make sure one has an accurate scale. (I usually just download the USGS topo of the internet for free and can therefore make custom map for the area I need.
3. Never "follow" trails as your terrain features. Streams are OK.
4. Always, always, always, update your map. Jim is right, you can't find your location with a compass, map and fog. But, if you never "lose" your location, a compass is only there to confirm.

If I had never been there before, and I was following a stream with fish in it (ie a major terrain feature on my USGS topo map), and there are also good elevation changes, the chance of me not knowing were I am is slim. I am paranoid about getting lost (probably because I don't have a gps <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> ), so I am constantly orienting the map and double checking my position every five minutes.

I am not saying that your GPS is bad. It is a powerful tool. I also think you would have found the truck without it, albeit it would have taken longer. Two experienced hikers would not have died, only prolonged the trip. What I am saying is that a map takes a lot of awareness to be used properly, otherwise, when you are lost, your map and compass won't help in the fog. You will have to wait for clear sky's to orient yourself.