Well, I have my backpack within easy reach maybe 90% of the time at work and commuting. I don't take it everywhere. Not to meetings that take place in the same bulding or when I'm out for lunch (5mins away where I work). The rest of the time I'm either home, meaning I have even more gear at hand, or going somewhere else where I usually bring my pack anyway. So all in all, I'd say I'm darn well covered.

Sure, there are times when I might not have access to all my EDC/PSK gear. It happens. Then you have to improvise. I don't carry a knife in my pocket when I'm home. Which technically means I don't have a knife with me when I go take a pee. Even though there might be an earthquake at the very moment, trapping me literally with my pants down. Does that mean everyone should keep a small pocket knife in their rectum just in case? Or a bunch of stuff tied to a big paracord necklace?

I don't know, there's being on the safe side and there's being paranoid. You can reduce risk but you can't eliminate it. I don't believe a few feet of paracord wrapped in a "tactical" braid will necessarily save the day if you find yourself in a life threatening situation either. To each his own.