You do have a choice to use it or not the smart choice would depend on the situation,do i use a flare/beacon because i'm severly hurt and don't want to die? Should i chance it because i'm pinned down and don't want to lose the loot i might get if i stick it with help? Also considering how advanced the aliens are i'm sure they can pick up on a com link message,either way i think it would add some tension to the game.