thanks again for the input everyone. Rickair, you raise some good issues that GA pilots (definitely newish pilots anyway) need to constantly remind themselves about; much appreciated.

On the subject of the GA traffic alerter (some kind of basic TCAS?!), can anyone recommend one? That is an investment I can definitely see myself making.

As for the motorcycle analogy, it's a good one. I'm def the old guy on the Goldwing and not the Wheelie popping Ninja kid