... applications discussed, some of which are rather far fetched and suboptimal.
Stretching the imagination when it comes to survival seems a good thing. Inhibiting yourself too much when brain-storming, not so much.
Brainstorming, as I understand it and have practiced it, is not quite the same thing as a simple query... Had it been clear that brainstorming was requested,I would have immediately suggested that one can cut off the mouth of a narrow mouth pop bottle for use as an emergency engagement ring.
Inherent in the brainstorming process is the step where you have to get real, come down to earth, and evaluate all the responses. Suboptimal suggestions are inevitably inherent in the process.