I can only speak for me personaly.
I think techknoledgy is wonderfull, to a point, and it also depends on who its pointed at.
I also think it is (extremely) important to always be in touch with the amount/depth of water under your boat.
And its also good to know where the breaks/dropoffs are as well.
I have a $100 Humminbird on the bow of my boat with a trolling motor transducer that will give all that plus a lot more information.
I have another larger Humminbird on the console with the down imaging feature that for me at least is a waste.
If I were heavy into dock shooting, id probably want side scan.
I also think cell phones are wonderfull, and everybody should have one.
In case you break down someplace and need a tow truck. Or Sea tow lol.