Anyone want to buy a slightly used lode-stone?
NO, just being a smart-a$$.
There are different levels of "obsolete". For example, Loran has passed the stage of "usefullness obsolete" ie: the
GPS far outstrips it's functionality, etc.; and is approaching "functionally obsolete" ie: they will eventually discontinue the
radio towers, making it non-functional.
The sextant has reached a point of usefullness obsolete, in that there are significantly easier ways to obtain the same (and better) data.
However, as long as the sun shines, it will never be functionally obsolete. That is a good thing, as Mah-thuh would say.
The "old ways" DO need to be preserved; but there's no need to everyone to practice them.
I agree, anyone who ventures more than a day from the sight of land really should have and understand how to use a sextant.