The pouch thing also just seems as if it would have a lot of overhead getting in and out.

I don't really go to this type of concert so I don't know, but if people are asked to silence their phones and put them in their pocket for something like this, do many of them just ignore that? It's not really a problem at live theater, classical music concerts, etc. but obviously the audience and atmosphere differs a lot.

The funny thing is that this policy assumes that the ushers are bad. (Otherwise, why do you need this if it's something that the ushers can handle)

You're comparing apples and oranges there. There is nothing preventing you from filming or using your electronic devices (outside FAA regulations, and they're pretty clear when and when you cannot use the electronics, heck they don't even take your device away from you or deface it)

As much as I don't like the TSA, they're a lot better than venue security. Going on your anaology, if something happened in an airport past security, the airport isn't blocking your ability to call for help.

Bringing it back: What benefit is removing people's abilities to use phones and smart watches going to give you? (Yes, they remove both of those including fitbits)

Is there a greater cost in utility to not flying in planes vs not attending Jack White concerts? If so this may be a false equivalence.

It doesn't prevent it. But it does give insight into what is going on in their baracaded situation, and signals for help+information on where it's safe to exit.

it would primarily be helpful for cross-checking (dont kill me) "fake news" stories against.