Interesting thread and replies. I responded, and noticed that I wrote a huge wall of text. So I tried to format it a bit easier to make everyones life easier :/.
"Survival knives"
I think that the vibe I get from some is that people are thinking a single piece of gear will save them (in this case, a "survival" knife). For myself at least, that was/is not the case, so I guess I don't perceive those that ask for a "survival knife" as somehow thinking owning a piece of steel will get them rescued from a remote wilderness (by itself). This is a knife forum, and people will ask what knife the rest of the forum things is best for their needs, so of course we talk more about the knife part here than anything else. That does NOT mean that all of these people are not also researching other "survival" items like shelters, clothing, water purification, fire gear, etc elsewhere. I see it that people are coming and looking here in the knife forum, for a knife to fit into their overall "survival" gear (or what have you, I came here trying to find a knife for camping).
I also believe that the term "survival knife" has somewhat come to mean a genre of knives, so when people come and ask for one, they are looking for that "genre" (which is why I think so many scoff at Moras and other suggestions like that initially). I believe that a "survival" knife is a full tang, probably thicker than needed knife in a mostly midsize to largerish size range (at least that's what I generally assume when I see someone say they want one).
Big knife vs small knife vs axe vs hatchet vs machete
This is another epic topic that has been brought up. My take on it is that individual uses/skillsets/comfort levels and climates are variable enough that I think its safe to say that for the most part there is no right answer. All of those tools have been used by peoples around the world for a very long time, and they all survived, and each has its use (and proper ways to use as well).
Battoning
I agree with those that have said that its likely in many "test" because it is popular, and easy to do in the backyard. It also has a bit of a shock factor that comes from most people never hearing about it before, so it grabs their attention. Myself, I used to baton things for the sake of batoning (with my then shiny new BK2). Then, one day, as the "wow" factor was wearing off, I realized that some pieces of wood just shouldn't be split. Both because there is no need, and its just too dang hard. Then I learned something else equally valuable. Using a wedge to split wood makes it even easier. And ironically, I learned this with the BK2. Nowadays I split mostly wrist-calf sized wood (depends on your body type, but usually talking 2-4, maybe 5in) that is nice and straight grained. I split maybe one or two pieces like that, then dry the rest of the wood by the now lit fire.
I also cross grain baton when needed (making notches, using it instead of chopping, etc). I find it is MUCH more accurate than chopping with a knife. It can also make a 4-5in knife actually "chop", without needing a lot of blade length (in a pinch).
Anyway, I don't buy knives "for batoning". However, I do find it something I would like a knife to be able to do if needed (within reason). Because of that I will always want the knife on my belt to be capable of it "if" it ever needs to happen in a "oh no, my pack rolled down a mountain" situation. Knives like the BK15/16/17, ESEE 3/4, Survive 4.1, RMD, and Bravo 1 are all kind of in this category, which I think is why they're fairly popular.
Myself, when I head out into the woods, I typically take a Mora, BK9, and a folding saw, but it depends on the distance, type of outing, etc. If for some reason I had to choose a single tool for going into the outdoors for a long time (a la "Alone"), I'd be bringing a largerish knife myself (Becker BK12/Ritter MK2/ESEE 6). Mostly because my skillsets and comfort levels with them are higher. Could I make do with a Mora? Yes, I've learned techniques for small blades as well, but some things would take a considerable amount of extra effort and/or time. I realize that some smaller tasks with a larger knife take more effort/control/time/calories as well, but feel that overall you'd come out ahead with the larger knife (typically).
TLDR
Tools all have their uses and environments that they excel in, people have different environments, skill levels, and comfort levels. Very rarely is a single thing the "right" answer for everyone.
