Hmmm...I remember first hearing about these things being in survival kits and thinking "what a neat idea, I gotta get one for mine". When at last I finally had one in my hand, and opened it up, I felt that it may have been overated as it certainly seemed like a minimal use type tool.

Fast forward years later and I've not had much reason to upgrade my original thoughts about it. Other postings at ETS and other venues have pretty much mirrored your type of experiences and my original thoughts.

At this time, I would not consider it (at least the few that I've actually touched) as a mass production cutting tool, but more a minimal use special tool. Several still remain in my kits, but I take the time to explain to others using the kits (also with a small note in the kit which doubles as fire tinder). It would be nice to believe that there are better models out there, but I've not touched one as yet.

Observations:
Keeping the saw taut with minimal bending and binding seem to be ther favored working methods, many folks reporting that they use a small piece of wood bent in the middle to hold the saw rings on the end, similar to other regular brush saws.

YMMV

Others may have had better experiences and I'd certainly like to hear where a better wire saw can be obtained.

Regards,
Comanche7