as for the "flat band" part, you can put lots of wraps on and effectively have a nice flat band (made up of a bunch of wires next to each other).
As for wire availability, I have a roll of SS316 for rigging stuff. I know that monel is also out there.
As for use in tight areas, the tool is shorter than the average screwdriver or nut driver that you would have to use to tighten the hose clamp.
I haven't actually put it to use, but it seems pretty secure. Unless you pry up the "tabs" (the two snipped ends locking the band tight). And the directions say to bend them down back into the tube as to not present a nice edge to accidentally grab onto.
I am planning on putting a clamp or two on this weekend, so I will report it's utility after that.
-km
aka, "sell out"
S/V Beyond the Sea
C&C 35 mkIII