This is very interesting! I have a butane lighter with a platinum catalyst element that outperforms (in high wind!) any lighter I've seen. Requires just a whiff of butane. The filament is very fragile and touching it would be a mistake as it would deform but it's purpose is to keep the butane lit as an ongoing ignition source.
I had no idea methanol could be used.
I'll be following your posts intently.