The thinking is "current" in the sense that in the "old days" there was no critical thinking at all because nearly everyone used the ubiquitous yellow 30,000# tow strap with loops on each end which was typically the only option kept in stock by the 4WD stores. I never heard the words kinetic energy or the term "recovery rope" during any recovery situation or around any campfire until after the turn of the 21st Century.