Stupidly, I might attempt to use my 1950s-tech dual VORs to
"cross-check" my dual GPS-verified position, even though I know that
they are exponentially less accurate instruments.

Umm... I think he's saying that you've got a responsibillity to know
where the VORs are, even if you don't use 'em. I remember reading that
there is a statistical spike in mid-airs over VORs (because lots of
people use them as intersections), and I imagine that driving across a
victor airway without know that it's a high traffic corridor is kinda
counterindicated. I always keep a vigillant scan, but... I'll use any
data I have to keep 'big sky theory' in check.