a) not suprised this comes from the UK forum <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
b) from reading a lot of books about SAS (UK SF) it's all about tea when you are tired, exhausted and cold...
c) it works... I'm very fond of earl gray tea and in the winter times I have a small nissa thermos is always ith me on the ambulance or backcoutry trips... Warms me up without dehydrating effects that coffee has on me.
d) it is tasty... and easy to carry... easier to make than coffee...
e) from survival point of view remember how we always say that instead of freaking out and running in circles you need to sit down and think? Well what's better thinking with a cup of tea?

In Nepal last May after climbing or trekking for a day nothing better than tea and biscuits...