For a long-term solution, yes. I think his intention was to do a quick field repair that could be done without any of the proper tools (no way to trim the ends neatly, no fid to do a proper splice). Something that could be used for recovery that you'd cut out when you get home.You don't use knots. You splice them. It takes five minutes.
I was never a boy scout but it's always been my understanding that even the best knots substantially reduce the working strength of whatever they're tied into.
For a long-term solution, yes. I think his intention was to do a quick field repair that could be done without any of the proper tools (no way to trim the ends neatly, no fid to do a proper splice). Something that could be used for recovery that you'd cut out when you get home.
Not really. Proper knots in the correct rope don't reduce strength.
For splices in the field, it's also a good idea to keep a length of thread to use for a lock stitch to secure everything in place. I've used safety wire with good results as well. The joint is only strong under tension (as mentioned previously, like a chinese finger trap) and has a tendency to slip during normal handling when not under a load.