I think you are overestimating the ability or nature of people for self-criticism. I have my doubts about most of these people learning anything. The first person to set off a PLB once they were legal is a good example. After being rescued, he waited a week or two then went back to get his gear, which had been left behind. He then set the PLB off again, expecting a free helo ride back. Instead he was cited for misusing it.

He had learned nothing from his experience except that pushing a button got him a free helicopter ride.

The meetup group that got stranded in the PNW about 5 years ago is another example. After a massive rescue effort, some of them were posting about what a great adventure they had, after putting dozens of SAR members and volunteers at risk. Their complete lack of awareness as to what their stupidity had caused and the cost of it was pretty galling, to say the least. It was obvious from their posts that they had learned nothing and didn't care that they hadn't.