Just listening to last week's podcast now. I think Brad should stop caring so much about items in video games. I don't think I've ever played a game that allowed you to fuck up a playthrough by accidentally using a consumable you weren't supposed to use. Just use the damn things and if it turns out later that you need more of them, worry about them then!
As Jeff once said, use the fucking ball.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0LT4Wu5KUA