VFR position reporting

Yes, just as you surely realize that making position reports aids S&R
if you should happen to go down for any reason (if you have not
requested flight following from ATC). You do make position reports
when flying over long distances, don't you?

No.

Although many of us use "VFR Flight Following", which puts you in the
ATC system in a way that is similar to IFR flights. Since you're
identified on ATC radar with a discrete squawk code (that they assign
you, and that you dial into your transponder), they (in theory) know
where you are at all times.

The main purpose of flight following, from our end, is to receive
traffic reports, but it also (again, in theory) provides some search &
rescue advantages, should the need arise.

There is no requirement to use it, but (especially in busy airspace) we
use flight following religiously.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"