Like most of us, he made some good choices, some that were bad, and some that were questionable. The thing to avoid is a series of several bad decisions, which can put you into a situation where survival doesn't happen. This person earns a passing grade, and that is really all that matters.

You can drag a backpack (if you are a glutton for punishment)and you don't even need cord or rope. the extra energy required to drag a pack is often excessive. If there is access to water, staying put is usually the best option.

A good FAK is a small, reasonably light package, supplemented by improvised items. A red bandanna is a triangular bandage, as well as a signalling device, snot rag,pot grabber, etc. -Splints are fashioned from hiking poles or backpack stays. I often drilled holes in backpack stays to better suit them for this purpose and it made them lighter, as well.

Knowledge and skills are at least as important as gear.