Don't forget the psychological benifits of some equipment.For some fishing is a relaxing past time.It can give you the feeling that you are doing something for your situation and all is well.I've camped out many times with Uncle Sam(in the SEABEES)with no camp fires and was just fine.But in a survival scene it (a fire)can give alot of moral and security.
So IMHO some items are nothing more than Linus' blanket.A securityblanket,pure and simple.