Gargoyle, my pride had to finally take a back seat a few years ago. I used to be able to tune a guitar in what seemed to be only seconds. A number of people I played with would just hand me their guitars and, moments later, I would hand them back properly tuned. However, like many others, the years are catching up with me. Some small events - such as drilling with a jackhammer in the confines of a concrete vault (my employer had never heard of OSHA) - have collectively taken their toll.

What I am trying to say here is that, like others, the high end of my hearing has been greatly diminished. I now view tuners as necessities, not luxuries.

I am not at all offended by your suggestion to learn to tune by ear. I just want to illustrate one reason why that may not be an option.