I have been caught 3 times in 6 years.

I also live in an area where the weather changes while you watch, and can
really astound you when you look away and then look back Therefore, I
completely agree with your attachment to your vertical gyro--my only caveat
being that someone less current on instruments might get more imediate help
from a turn-and-slip.

However, I hope that you are wearing your flame-proof skivies!

Peter