I was a scout during the 1980's. The scout master I had must have been an idiot. He gave us a choice of those or our merit badge. Also in my troop you had to show that you knew all the requirements to get the badge or loop. I also remember how much of a pain those things were to get through the loops on the pants. I do not know if any other scout masters were confused on what they were issue for. but that would explain why they disappeared.
I remember having to light a fire with two matches, proper hand ax handling, and some of the first aid you had to do. What turned me off to scouting i