There is a lot packed into the pay for search and rescue model. One of the last things I want someone to be doing in an emergency situation is to be thinking can I afford help right now or should I just try harder to get off this cliff with a broken ankle. Then there is the question of what really is the cost. If a helicopter is involved frequently the operation cost if figured in, but these in the US are almost always military helicopters and they count these operations towards training hours. I would much rather have those hours spent to helping someone in danger than burning fuel for no emergency.