Well just because you're not going to end up using it a lot doesn't make it unuseful. For most backacpking trips, yah, of course. I think most everyone is going to choose a lighter or something quick rather than use one of the old primitive methods. But you may not always be guaranteed to have those and if the situation calls for it, it'd probably be better to know how to do than not to do it.
It does me no good to know how to use a bic lighter when I don't have it and have nothing but a potential for a fire all around me, and no idea how to make one.
I mean, in general now, knowing how to read a map is useless if you've got a GPS. By that logic, why should I bother having compass and map skills? Well, even with one you should know the other.
I'm not sure what your point is. What are you trying to say?
Knowing how to read a map is more than useful if the GPS fails to find a satellite or the batteries die. GPS is no replacement for a map and compass - you need the map and compass, period, whether you have a GPS or not.
I carry waterproof matches, storm matches, and a lighter, in different areas of my gear. Frequently I can't build a fire at all due to fire bans. I use a stove - magnesium blocks don't work for those. I am guaranteed to have multiple fire starting methods because I always pack them and if they have a learning curve, I learn to use the item before going out there. That's called "being prepared." You might like to take that into consideration.
I'm sure people still use magnesium blocks, but they really aren't necessary. Drier lint is lighter firestarter, and free as a byproduct of doing your laundry.
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