Thanks for the input my friend.
The cordlock whistle, while a total PITA to assemble to the paracord, is a pretty decent whistle once properly put in place.
I personally have never seen a quick disconnect on a neck knife that was worth a damn. I've been through a ton of different brands and styles while working in a factory having to wear a badge everyday for ten years. I would typically take some of the ballchain you mentioned, gut some paracord and put the outer sheathing of the paracord over the ballchain. Thus eliminating the cold chain problem while complying with OSHA regulations.
(taking off ESEE hat, putting on personal opinion hat) I know that Jeff and Mike recommend a breakaway but I personally never use one with my neck knives. I've never had a situation where it's been a problem.
I haven't a single complaint about the firesteel/mag rod, I think it's the abosolute best of it's design. I have one of the split rings on mine and it hangs nicely.
You have to figure, most of the folks who frequent this board are going to be better versed on all the options available to them than the average consumer. There's always better out there but you have to factor price, frequency of use, bulk....
Granted, the items provided with the Izula kit aren't the most expensive or "best", but they are good usable tools that the average person could use in a pinch to survive.
Those of us who are more knowlegable can add and replace as we see fit.