Great story.
I liked the part about trying the seam sealer as fire starter. That suggests they hadn't gone into brain-lock yet.

I hike alone very frequently. My pack weighs over 20lb with all the just-in-case stuff. Yes, I may not walk as far because of the weight but it's the price I make myself pay to be out there. (Besides, I'm mainly out for the exercise anyway and the weight just makes it a better workout.)

My load list is very much like byrd_hunter's.
And I file a detailed travel plan with my wife so she knows what to do and when.