I used to use a SPOT Gen3 and had two programmed messages to my wife. "Ok, just sleeping/resting" and another that I need help. Of course, one can hit the emergency panic button and I had worldwide rescue insurance. I always felt the device was for the security of my wife. An Inreach is probably much better because you can text in two directions (to a loved one and them to you) and it uses Satellite for the texts, so, it should always goes thru unlike a cell phone in remote areas where service is sketchy. I thought of buying one but probably won't because I don't see the risk on highly traveled trails. Over a long distance like AT, how would a loved one possibly know that you have not reached your intended destination at the end of the day's hike, when you yourself probably can't devine the weather and all manner of suck that can come your way. Watching your dot could just add anxiety for them if for example, your dot stopped early afternoon many miles short of the intended destination. "Oh my, he fell off a cliff (Robert Redford)"
Something I have not figured out my communication plan but have time before NOBO start in early May