In reply to Michael Gordon:
In Scotland, for callouts related to rescue of hillwakers and mountaineers then statistically it is the more experienced/prepared/equipped that require the assistance as opposed to the 'trainers and jeans' brigade that grough or arm chair pundits would have you believe.
On a more informal basis, I have had 4 hillwalking/mountaineering friends rescued over the years all by RN and RAF helicopter, 1 was a munro compleater, 2 were attached to ropes led by an MIC and the other an experienced winter climber.
My non hillwalking friends who wore pyjama bottom and trainers, jeans etc on Ben nevis and others who have crawled on their hands and knees on Ben Vorlich when they didn't have ice axes (I might add none of these people were with me at the time) none of these had to be rescued.
What was interesting about the latter group was their reason for going up the hills as they did. Their thought processes were actually pretty logical and although I personally don't advocate or encourage people to follow their example, I do understand why people don't use maps compasses, research route, weather prior to heading out.
Just regarding the point about the guys not listening to advice and staying put. Again none of us were there and we have only heard from MR point of view. But I do kind of agree that if I could hear a mate/family member calling out in pain and I thought MR may be some time, I can't guarantee I wouldn't go down to try and find that person myself. In a situation like that it can be difficult to stay put because you feel like you should be doing something.
I do wholeheartedly agree with the lochaber MRT's points about not charging/insurance debate and the funding for MR teams.
Regardless of opinion on what has happened it has raised the profile of MR and hopefully donations. All they need now is a loveable dog to go missing on Ben Nevis and watch the donations go through the roof...