"Not terribly practical" sounds much more accurate than "useless". If you have read Bob's book or any of the history of the "Astro" you would/should know it was designed more for the 1960's space program (particularly..."Water Landings"...You know? "Spashdowns") and the possible "problems" that one might encounter. Hell: They issued gold coins and a S&W "Air Crewman" also. Probably not as "terribly practical" as a "Glock" today...but not "useless" either. Small fish hooks, line, split-shots, etc, could be stored in that tiny storage compartment, along with other things. With a small amount of imagination that small compartment could go from "useless" to life-saving in an armadillo heartbeat!!...Just sayin'
Best, Capt. Chris