Kevin I understand what you are saying, but I think you are wrong for calling hearing enhancers/protectors " gimmicks" . Training ones self to " listen" for the right sounds is only easier with such pieces of equipment. I learned long ago to tell the difference between the sound of an approaching deer vs another animal. The Game Ears only make that option greater and sooner. I also hear grunts, snorts and calls at ranges far greater than I ever expected or heard before. That can only help a hunter, regardless of their skill level. I just think that using your analogy, why would a person use eyeglasses to correct faulty eyesight? Thats no different than purposefully ignoring the prospect of enhancing ones hearing while at the same time protecting it as well.
I too have gone the " traditional equipment" route before with regards to my recurve. I killed two very nice bucks with it (one of which was my first P & Y buck). I still buy " Traditional Archer" and LOVE the allure of the beautiful handmade equipment that makes up the very personal sport. I just no longer shoot my takedown at deer because I dont feel like I have enough time to properly practice enough to be confident in using it in the woods, nor do I any longer wish to accept the closer limits of my abilities with such equipment. But that doesnt make me a " techno hound" IMO. But rather the technology allows me better utilization of my time afield and in preparation for such times. The same I think can be said for the vast majority of sportsmen.
I have a small red totebag that I call my " must have bag" that rides in the truck to each hunt. In it you will find a plethora of " modern conveniences" such as my weather radio, Leica rangefinder, a pair of Game Ear IIs, pair of Motorolla 2ways, knives/sharpeners, several pair of binocs (Steiner, Zeiss and Optolyth), flashlights of various types and sizes and several other " tools" that I consider as great aids in my serious pursuits. Each " tool" was bought for a specific need and while we all have a collection of " gimmicks" stashed in a box on a shelf of the garage forever to remain unused. Most of us have our " tried and true" tackle that goes with us each time out and it only makes the outing that much more fun. Do I just HAVE to have that bag on each hunt? No, certainly not but I feel each item in their serves a very vaulable purpose for a specific need while afield.
In 20 years of chasing deer, I have learned what works for me, what doesnt and what I need as well as what I dont! I would imagine most in here are much the same. Tools come and go and I dont think incorporating various " gifts" of technology into our hunting is all that bad. Time afield for various reasons is still " time away" but if a modern creation can help the odds, why not? You mentioned your scent suit. I too use one (Scent Lok MicroSuede) and consider it equally as important as anyother tool. But you wont see me not recommending them on the basis of, " they are a gimmick" .

To each his own I reckon,
RA