The Blackhawk knife video is interesting. However, I'd say those were serrations on the spine and not saw teeth. But then I got to thinking: Where is the line drawn between serrations and saw teeth? Hmmm...
I don't have any experience with the TOPS tracker and its saw, but I do have an RS6 Predator, and I know that saw cuts notches quickly and beautifully. I wouldn't want to saw lumber with it, but for little tasks its great. Also, I didn't buy the knife believing I could work wonders with the saw.
Of all the knives I've seen with saw back spines, I'd have to say the saw function was never intended to be the 'primary' function. The saws are usually furnished to lend a little more utility and/or ability to one piece of equipment. If someone looks at their Pilot Survival Knife before going on a trip and says, "Ok, I'll take that knife,that way I'll have a knife
and a saw," is mistaken.
I have never looked at a saw spine on a knife and figured it would take the place of an actual saw. I have a Camillus Marine Combat knife with a PSK-type saw spine. The knife is useful and functional, with or without the saw spine. The saw spine will notch or shape wood fine. It doesn't cut as efficiently as say a Leatherman or SAK saw, but it does have a longer throw than those saws, and it will cut. And the teeth aren't deep enough to really damage the baton when spitting wood. But really, concerns about tearing up the baton? Not really, not that I've experienced, anyways. Then again, when I'm camping, I usually don't baton much more than a face cord worth of kindling.
