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(1) We have more than "a scope." (2) Even if we didn't, I would rather muzzle everything than be "blind" at night. (3) We all have excellent trigger discipline.

Yes. You highlight an important point… let me add this… I am not stupid enough, BUT if I was stupid enough to carry or, worse, use a "smart phone" app for "ops," I would already be room temperature (or resigned to be room temperature) before they could download the data. Neither would I own an NVD that automatically stores images.

I have never seen an analog thermal NVD. Is it even possible? I try to imagine an analog thermal NVD. I am blocked at the look-up table necessary to display the data. I only see digital options to display the data. I am not an engineer, but I have a decent grip on imaging physics. What use would an analog frequency domain graph be in an incursion or firefight?

While the various generation image intensifier NVDs do have on-board IR illuminators, they must be manually activated. The only time I/we have ever activated the illuminators was to test them in a room without any ambient light. (They worked.) The detent for the activation switch is quite secure. I cannot see a circuмstance in which the illuminator could be accidentally activated.

Incidentally even the Gen 1 image intensifier units are useful despite low resolution, bulk, weight, and short life span of the image intensifier tube, but you can get such a unit with some usable life span remaining for $200.

I think your concerns are worthy, so buyers should know the capabilities of their gear before purchase.  That said, anyone wiling to own or carry a "smart phone" has already compromised their persec/opsec.

Yes analog is possible! I got not clue what makes it run “ alien tech for all i know” but my older pvs14 set up is considered analog as opposed to digital. No WiFi no recording capabilities and it’s actually pretty sharp. I got the spec sheet with it I think it was a 2 grade which basically gets graded on the dead spots the screen displays . I have to look really hard to see the dead spots. The resolution is awesome. I can’t imagine spending all night in it but I got a level 3a helmet with a mount i hook it up to with a mount that either sits up out of the way or down straight in front of the right eye. I run it with an eotech exps 3 and a weapon mounted amg flood light. I get about 200 yards of visibility out of it. I payed about 4,000$ for the whole thing it’s an old green light display like the movies. The white ones are the newer rage. The green gives you crazy dreams and tweaks your mind after a bit from what roommate tells me when he ran one in Afghanistan 😵‍💫😄.  I mostly take it to the dog park at night. I keep it right in my pocket.