agree. having a mental back-up plan for white-out or if you lose your map and compass (or gps doesn't work) is essential - as is knowing the basic topography of the area (where drainages lead, where the nearest roads are, major cliffs, etc). I think the "wait and hunker down" philospahy of being lost in the woods only works if you can survive the wait, and continuing on will just make you more lost. I think many hood fatalities could have been avoided if the person, or party just simply went downhill. At least being lost in the forest is better than being lost on a glacier or snowslope.
Finally, if you have a rope, and know how to set-up improptu rappells, you can get off the top -regardless if it's the quickest way to you car.
I can think of a number of local rescues in the North Shore Mountains (Vancouver) that ended with finding a body at the base of a cliff (and these mtns are only 4,000ft, but rugged). Going down is not the best option if you are unfamiliar with the terrain. This guy did the right thing given the situation he was in. But please carry on with the debate regarding if he should have gotten himself into the situation in the first place.