I agree with UH. Climb rates are useful but can change a lot by the time you get to that tantalizing gaggle ahead even without FLARM. But just knowing where the gliders in front of you are can make all the difference. Example: Elmira the last day 1 1/2 legs into a big MAT at the edge of an enormous blue hole. I had the option of heading back to Elmira under the clouds for a sure thing finish at an incredibly slow speed. The thermals hadn't been all that reliable under the clouds. "Am I crazy for heading out into the void? Where did everyone go?" The first thermal in the blue was 4 kts. (that's good for around here, for the benefit of our Western comrades) so I kept going. But I relaxed a little when a couple of gliders came into view a few miles ahead. If I had had full-range FLARM, there would have been no decision to make. Call it what you want, providing collision warnings while revealing as little info as possible in "gaggle radar" mode is the way to go. If you want easy, get a motor.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"
U.S.A.