The main complaint here is that micro-kits are not capable of handling major emergencies and long-term survival. The other point the plural-speaking topic maker makes seems to be...These kits would work better in a Bradbudy-esque future world?

The goal of an 'Altoids' kit as the slang goes, is to provide an on-body back-up system to items usually found in a pack or otherwise found on the body. A hiking pack is, when you look at the categories it contains and the contents, a survival kit one relies on for living outside of society. It just doesn't have that fancy emergency purpose. The beauty of those tin-kits is that it gives you an extra layer of gear if all else fails. It is by nature the last thing keeping you from having to 'Go Macgyver' with nothing but your brain and the environment. Can the tin function as a mobile emergency room? No, even a loaded ambulance is an inferior care system, as is some major hospitals when faced with the worst case.

A compass can keep some one from making a giant circle, wandering with no direction or orientation.
A tiny LED can allow for movement and functioning at night, makes signaling and emergency response much, much easier.
A lighter or matches creates fire, ultimate source of heat, a powerful signaling tool, and a psychological boost of security and component of food preparation, even water purification.
A knife creates shelter, food, tools, and tasks in general easier.
A whistle is a near-ideal signaling tool, emergency device, and animal deterrent.

I just pulled these survival basics, out of a cinnamon Altoids tin I had lying around on my desk. If all I had were the clothes on my back, this kit, and my brain...I'd still be able to come home.
How are these micro-kits comical, again? Besides the fact they're candy tins, of course.