Well the people saving you from dying in the snow need to have it. It is pretty useless if they don't have it. I would stick going out with a guide, in a BIG group, with real avalanche transponders. They are soo easy to use now, all rescue teams have them, and they are proven to save your life.
I am not going to say don't spend the extra money on recco, it is a great system. All i am saying is maybe think about spending money on a better transponder, on Blackdiamond's Avalung.
This think will add an extra 45 mins to your life expenctency if burryed. It is great.