Mineral oil should work well, but I am happy with a VERY light coating of silicone O ring grease. I also keep the ring and mating surface clean (much easier than cleaning threads).

I also agree with your statment on multiple fires. If I am lost or stuck I am only going to light one fire. The object is to keep it going until rescued. I carry working matches (enough for several a day for the trip, both penny boxes and strike anywhere in a K&M case), emergency matches (1 K&M case full of REI matches) and several rods, strikers, etc. But I expect to only use the every day ones more than for one fire.

Respectfully,

Jerry