Great post, Keith!

I wasn't going to add any more to this enormous thread, but I didn't understand the relevance of Damon's ditty about dying. I don't think people object to those guys going out and having fun and dying from it. The objection is that other people have to go into harm's way in order to PREVENT them from dying. At least the Coast Guard is TRAINED to rescue people. But what if another passing pleasure boat had come to their aid and that person had gotten hurt or killed trying to rescue them?

It is just human nature to try to help fellow human beings in distress. These sailors were out there by choice, but during an emergency a good samaritan usually does not feel that he has any choice in the matter.