It doesn't, you're right. But the counterpoint to that is you should be really, really sure you have correctly gotten back on track if you decide to move any si

It doesn't, you're right. But the counterpoint to that is you should be really, really sure you have correctly gotten back on track if you decide to move any significant distance. That is the number one thing wilderness rescue folks will tell you. Assuming someone knows when you're supposed to be back, it will be vastly easier to check the immediate vicinity of your planned route than to find you well off-trail in some other direction. Climbing a nearby hill for better visibility or getting on a more-traveled fire road is fine, but heading off can really slow down the search.