Iain, this is the crux of the thing for me too - is it possible to generate an electrical spark with enough energy to ignite innersuit material in oxygen using nothing more than friction?

Can this be repeated with damp material?

Can this magnitude realistically be generated in a suit, damp or otherwise, in fresh or salt water just by the movements of a diver?

So, someone tell me how to create a decent spark and I'll do my own "Myth Busters" exercise on it.

PS Here's a thought... The reason winchmen don't grab the strop immediately from a helicopter is they prefer to let the strop earth the static energy generated in the rotors/helicopter first. If Diver X grabs the strop in the water, it will earth through him. He will get a fair jolt apparently, but would he suffer the further indignity of his dry suit catching fire?