In reply to Roberttaylor:
Thanks everyone for the discussion and information.
Yes. I've been using my Firesteel flint for 20 years or so and it is really reliable. That and the XGK worked at all altitudes and any weather.
It's just that I took a little Soto pocket rocket style gas thing yesterday on a high bivvy to try to be more lightweight/compact to save my ageing knees. And found trying to light the gas with the Firesteel awkward and dangerous because I couldn't see or hear the gas flow or ignition with the bright sunlight and roaring snowmelt at the bivvy.
I often suspected it hadn't lit, but couldn't be sure so had to keep turning the valve off and on before trying again.
With the XGK there's a bloody big yellow flame that tells you it lit. If not you could safely try again.
I was thinking an igniter with a longer stalk would allow you to make multiple attempts even if it was already alight without melting your hand.
So I might just need more practise with the gas burner.
But that plasma lighter does look interesting.