I completely agree that to rely on boiled water (or for that matter any ONE of the alternatives) is not a good idea. As I pointed out in my earlier post I believe that there are scenarios where each method has its place. I carry PA tabs in my PSK and a filter and PA in my BOB because I cannot predict what scenario I might face. I also carry multiple methods of starting fire because in many scenarios the ability to get a fire going is imperative for warmth and protection. If I were in a stationary "wait for rescue" situation and I was in a location where firewood was accessible I would certainly start a fire for signal, warmth and protection. Once I had the fire going I would probably use the Foil wrapped around my PSK to boil my water rather than waste the precious few PA tabs that I had until it was necessary to do so. A filter doesn't fit in my PSK though I have been considering adding one of those McNett filter straws to my EDC. In my BOB, if I have it with me at the onset of the situation, I have a Katahdyn mini filter. This is one of the ceramic filter combined with carbon core type that filters at a fair pace. (I can filter two liters from a stream in the time that it takes my knees to recover during a rest stop) . If I have that with me I will certainly filter rather than boil since it is easier, just as good, and would allow me to use the foil for other things or economize it until I needed it.

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To plan of relying on one method and not bothering to prepare for scenarios where that method will not work is niave or foolish. Many who come here asking questions are niave - that's why they ask quesitons. It only becomes foolishness when they are answered well (as you have done) and they continue to persist in self imposed ignorance.

Many start out thinking that by getting in shape and knowledgeable they will be prepared and all they need is to be able to recognize some edible plants, a good stout knife and a well trained body and they can handle anything - Rambo style. Maybe so Maybe no. I wouldn't want to try it. I have redundant methods for water processing, fire starting, cutting, tool improvisation, lumbering, cooking, harvesting, trapping, fishing, all based on the simple tools that can be crammed into an altoids box and carried around by anyone everyday. I am not carrying these things in ignorance but have used them to the point where I understand how they work and am facile in their use. I am no more comforted by my gadgets than I am by my excellent physical conditioning. Being forced to live outside unexpectedly without all my nice Ultralight High-tech Backpacking gear and dehydrated rations and bear canister would suck! But I am prepared to do that with what is in my pockets or without it. I can start a fire with what nature provides, make a cup for boiling water out of birch bark or some similar substitute, trap and harvest using only the tools available in the wild but I'd rather have my snare wire, wire saw, tin foil, Xacto blade spear, fishing kit, Spark-lite, tinder-quick, hurricane matches, iodine tabs, water balloon, twine and paracord, and trashbag - tarp.

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BTW, has anyone got specific information on that McNett filter straw regarding what it claims to filter out and what it doesn't?