If this had been out when I first started on ETS, I might have bought it and used it as a base.

As it is, I think (with respect) that Hikermor is wrong about the vender losing money. At least retail, at REI, the DR kit is near $30, the whistle is in a 2-pack for $10, the AMK bivy is roughly $14. I think if you priced it out piecemeal you'd spend more (maybe if you bought bulk online, made several kits that would drown out the shipping charges, you might get a better deal).

But, like everyone else, it looks like a great place to start.