Great thread title. I couldn't wait to click on it.

You give a graphic and convincing demonstration of how unsuitable cotton is in other than ideal conditions

I was out hiking in the rain for a bit last week - temps in the 50s and 60s. I wore a variety of synthetic materials, which I was able to keep reasonably dry by altering my clothing as circumstances changed. Whenever i stopped, I hung things out to dry - this didn't take long in a thirty knot wind.