The watch thing has to do with having the patrols be more 'aware' of their surroundings and the time of day. It also keeps them away from altimeter and compass watches. Keeping their map and compass skills fresh and strong. It makes sense. It doesn't say the leaders can't carry them. As a matter of fact – GPS and other such items are concidered mandatory for the leaders.
I think he is focusing on the real skills and responsibity we want the Scouts to have. If they set up late and night and have to cook in the dark, eventually they will figure out that wasn't such a great thing and they need to pay more attention to what they are doing.
Camp shoes are unnecessary weight. They are a luxary. The end. Not to say you can't carry them or allow them. But doing more with less and using a LNT aproach to your gear will also build stronger more thoughtful boys. Just a thought.