Ah we finally agree haha.

Short term survival is without a doubt enhanced with all you mention. An altoid tin is worth its weight in the short term.

I just don't carry one in my pants as the scenario suggests, thus I would be SOL. Now if allowed to grab my coat then more gear I carry in it would be available. If allowed to grab my fanny pack kit then even more is available. If allowed to grab my full bob then even more etc....

The true test of any survivor is their ability to thrive with just the clothes on their back. If one can do this and learn from it everything else is just convenience.

The military E&E survival courses are based on one rusty old bayonet and basic clothes. The reason for this is to get the person comfortable with improvisation and adaptation to their environment. If they suceed in this then everything else they have in a real situation just makes life easier. Things get lost broken and expire. Whats in your head is yours to keep.

No amount of gear will replace common sense, experience and plain ole luck.

Mike