Welcome cxrc. I completely understand your mindset. For a long time I had the same thought process. Now I use the gear to make sure it will withstand the rigors of survival duty. Use it, but keep it well maintained. Service and periodic inspection is paramount to all gear functioning correctly when the "real" events hits. Also, be totally familiar with all your tools and equipment. Use them routinely and practice seldom used skills. We tend to "fight like we train".