I think that's not a completely unreasonable position. However, I merely used some tape and a couple of purification tablets, and considered that a couple of other items would be useful. The core of the kit was intact - and you can bet that if I'd had a medical emergency or felt that my safety was ever in danger of being compromised, I would have immediately headed back to civilization (which, given where I was hiking, was never more than a partial day's hike away). I was also hiking with another person.

Like most of us here I'm continually evaluating my situation when out in the wilderness and making decisions about whether it's safe to press on or time to call it quits. Gear is part of that equation, but so's weather, my condition, my location, the presence of others, and so on.

Unlike a fair number here, I see my PSK as an ongoing resource that I am pleased to use any time. In this case, I thought it made sense to do so, and I got to keep enjoying my trip with no worries. I even tried out a couple of other things in the kit, just for practice and/or to see if they worked for additional purposes - e.g., trying to use the Sparklite to light a Brasslite Turbo alcohol stove (it didn't - a good thing to learn). Like you, I also continually evaluate what's in the kit, and replace things to keep them fresh and/or because I come up with better ideas (practice helps with that, too).

So, my personal philosophy is to continually experiment, practice and learn, while always being cognizant of safety and reasonable choices. I like using my kit when it makes sense, but I also respect others here who believe it prudent to make a kit that is sealed and safe until needed for a truly dire situation.