Finally some people that see my side...
If someone I know dies from something easily preventable, its sad but I can guarantee you it would be a hefty reminder to always wear a PFD.
Once again, to each his own. If you are on a small lake in the middle of summer and you arent wearing a PFD, then whatever, but if you are on on Lake O by yourself...you might just end up like the body of that salmon fisherman they found a week ago.
I can tell you right now, the number of us on here that have had close calls or at least know someone who has either died or been close to dying from falling in the lake is probably huge.
My uncle has been in a boat where someone fell off and drowned. My dad has fallen off of the boat and was unable to get himself back in by himself.
Lew thats why i think the manual inflatables are a little ridiculous. If you are in a boat crash there is a very good chance you will not be able to pull the rip cord yourself, hence wearing auto inflatables.
As Garnet mentioned, my cabellas guidewear auto inflate is so comfortable that i go home and lay down on the couch and then realize I am still wearing it.