Hello Ken,
A few thoughts on your post.

PIEZO LIGHTER: If it won't light, it is probably because the butane is cold. Butane will not vaporize in very cold weather. Carry it next to your body if you use a butane in cold weather.

ZIPPO: Will last one to two weeks depending on use. I have seen some on this forum suggest tightly taping the lid around the opening to reduce evaporation.

DISPOSABLES: I continue to maintain that a Cricket lighter is far superior to a Bic. Problem is, they are hard to find. Anyone that knows of a source, please post. WalMart doesn't stock them.

JET LIGHTERS: If you can't reach the tinder pile, carry one of the long snout charcoal/pilot light lighters.

I have a suspicion that the reason gas lighters sometimes won't light is because the gas has caused the tiny orifice, or jet, to corrode. Try sticking a thin, sharp needle in the orifice from time to time. This seems to help. And one final thought.
For long term storage, stay away from the flint lighters. The flint WILL degrade and get soft. In time it will completely disintegrate.

And finally, for those still sold on Bic, my son bought a pack of 100 for $10 at Sams Club. Not a bad price. But then, you get what you pay for. (Don't you, RandyO?) <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Boone