Re-Designing the Backpacking Stove

I took the survey, though like HSF I've never used a wood-burning stove. They are not appropriate where campfires are banned, which is pretty much everywhere I backpack.

A stove that was very light and compact but could burn either alcohol or wood might have some appeal, especially for distance hikers who would appreciate the ability to stretch their fuel when a fire is legal.

Many of the best places have little to no wood.

Re wood fires, though more relevant to campground ones:
"Forest Pests

Forest pests result when non-native insects and diseases are introduced into an ecosystem and lead to environmental or economic damage. So, what does this mean to Yosemite's visitors? People bringing firewood with them can introduce pests accidentally to the park. Park officials, therefore, ask visitors not to transport outside firewood inside the park because pests often survive inside wood where they can’t be seen. (Scroll down to see where visitors are permitted to gather wood in the park.) Currently, 16 pests concern park foresters."
www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/forest-pests.htm

and
"California

California Summary:

California prohibits bringing firewood into the state if the firewood originated in any area under quarantine for, or an area generally infested with, pests including emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, imported fire ant, chestnut bark disease, pine shoot beetle and others. These prohibitions - when put together - end up banning untreated firewood from nearly every state in the union. Sixteen states in the Central and Eastern US prohibit bringing hardwood firewood originating from California into their state, to prevent the movement of thousand cankers disease. The California Firewood Task Force, US Forest Service Region 5, Yosemite National Park, and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park all advise using only local firewood within California, and suggest not moving firewood over 50 miles at the very most, to reduce the spead of pests found in limited areas of California such as the goldspotted oak borer and polyphagous shot hole borer. It is illegal to remove many types of hardwood and softwood (coniferous) firewood from any county in California that is quarantined for Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum). Some California State Parks prohibit oak firewood entirely. In areas under quarantine for red imported fire ant (this includes multiple counties in Southern California) it is illegal to move firewood that has been stored in direct contact with the ground without prior authorization. This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 7 January 2015."

www.dontmovefirewood.org/the-problem/state-state-information/california.html

I agree with JRinGeorgia. #7 didn't make any sense to me.

If you are looking at light wood burning stoves, that actually work, you need to be looking at wood-gas stoves (sometimes called rocket stoves). There are a number of these on the market and there are lots of plans on line to make them. These maximize the heat that can be gained from twig fires.

Perhaps your questionnaire should adjust based upon the answer to the question on what type of fuel is used. Just my opinion.