I'm also a believer of ATGATT. To the point that I refuse to ride with someone who isn't wearing a helmet, eye protection, jacket, gloves and boots. I don't care how hot it is, how "cool" they want to look, or what the local laws have as a minimum requirement. Either gear-up or go away, but I'm not riding with them.
Accidents happen without warning and I refuse to be a party to someone attempting suicide. There is a reason why EMT's, para-medics, and emergency room personnel call motorcycles "doner-cycles".
Glad to hear you only had a close call Zap! I've had a couple in the short time I've been riding and so far haven't gone down. It's only a matter of time. I've been told that you aren't truly a rider until you have laid a bike down and then gotten back on to ride again.
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best - You will never be disappointed!