What a horribly put together site. I couldn't stay longer than 3 minutes.

My personal opinion is that keys on a lanyard just won't do enough damage...plus I risk losing my keys. I guess if I had nothing else I might do it for the reach advantage but 'rope' style weapons are more a liability unless you're properly trained to use such a thing. And as you said they're under rated so the intimidation factor is zero.

The best way to win a fight is to not get into one. I've trained in Kung Fu for years and I haven't been in a fight since grade school.