hikermor,
You are probably right, it is just that almost all the claimed practicioners I have met (many of them the target of an SAR mission) have a pack that is not adequate. It was adaquate enough until something happened. In the Rockies one of the common missions found their tent, pack and sleeping bag at a basecamp. Their peakbag contained hardware, lunch, a jacket and maybe a quart of water. Hardly enough for a good day at 13,000 much less a bad one.
Many of them were noted proclaiming that "their" F&L practice was safer before AND after.
Just a jaded curmugeon. Maybe there are really some who do it right. :-)
Respectfully,
Jerry