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I also noticed each of the two yachts I sailed, based in the UK,
and used for commercial training, were fitted with collision
avoidance flares.

How often do you need them? Perhaps never, but it is a
comforting thing to have and a worthwhile piece of equipment
to have handy.

That article indicates that it is just an idea, and no one
manufactures such a device. The article also raises the point that
this flare might be confusing to others, who haven't read the same
article. It's not an "accepted" and widely known form of collision
avoidance.

A 'collision avoidance flare' is not some hi-tech gismo-it is simply a white
hand-held flare which carries no indication that one needs help but is just
a way of making sure you are seen.
If you sail at night you should always have some aboard. You will find that
it is universally used and accepted as a way of making your presence known.
However the term 'collision avoidance flare' is wrong and misleading and is
not mentioned in the colregs because the specific measures you need to take
to avoid collisions are unaffected by the use of such flares.