> As for fishermen and safety, how do you explain that they still commonly use the bowline or the sheet bend?

I've not seen a lot of fisherman use them myself. But if they are indeed common as you say, then it must mean most fisherman are beginners.

Fisherman are nice people. They help each other out, and they learn fast. For example when a fish falls off the line a beginner will often loudly proclaim it bit through the line. Someone with experience often takes that opportunity to look for the telltale curls in the nylon line indicating the knot had slipped, rather than being cut. If they see them, they will often congratulate the beginner on nearly catching the biggest fish of the day - it's a shame they don't know how to tie a fishing knot.

> I specifically did not include knots that are commonly recommended even though they untie easily e.g. under intermittent loads, such as the sheet bend or the bowline,

Ahh, sorry. Reading comprehension fail on my part. I confused your post with others that mentioned the bowline. It's a wonderful knot, but it must be kept under tension.

> alpine butterfly is commonly used in safety critical applications as you mention, so I'm curious to learn what you would rather use in that situation.

As I said as the start, I was thinking you were recommending knots for casual use. I'd use the Alpine Butterfly when I want something that won't slip in that situation, however I quietly curse under my breath while tying it because if it gets tight I've created a lot of work, particularly if I don't have a marlin spike handy. I haven't owned one for years now, so I go out of my way to not use the butterfly.

To be frank, this has been a rather disappointing conversation.

I gave some quick guidance for newbies with some broader context to help them, only to have somebody dismiss everything I said because they didn't pay any attention to what was written.

Next time, please do read what you reply to, especially if you are going to be dismissive. What a waste of everybody's time. I was hoping to learn something new. Bleh.