So, is char cloth just for fun? I ask that in all sincerity. I could see improvising it if there were few other options, but if I'm packing my stuff in I could think of things that are a lot better tinder than that. Again, just curious.
It's a known good solution. It was relied on historically. See, for example,
http://quikonnex.com/channel/item/33298. Most better solutions are more modern.
I think its main drawback is that it needs to be kept dry. There are modern tinders that don't. And of course cigarette lighters that have the benefit of being easier to use one-handed.