Are you sure that was not caused by temperature and altitude combined? I know that at lower altitudes and very cold temps some butane stoves won't work due to the lower temps, when taken to a much higher altitude they do work, difference in pressure and temp. It is pretty common for Himalayan expeditions to use propane/butane stoves and they work. I have never had a lighter fail at any altitude, if it was warm and dry, as in my pocket! Very strange! I'd like to hear more on this subject.