Kudos, Jim on your experimentation/inventive nature.

However, when it comes to gear that I may be forced to rely upon I usually stick with what works. When it comes to flint/steel I have found those Swedish ('Light My Fire brand') rods to be excellent especially when combined with good tinder.

After years of trial & error I have found that Coghlan's (most of their camping stuff is junk at best) tinder cubes to be the right blend of a waterproof waxy substance combined with thin cotton-like strands/fibers. A completely empty Bic lighter still has enough sparking power to get 'em lit! Of course, YMMV depending on your AO but in rural eastern Kentucky I have had very good luck with the above combo.