Totally agree on the bum rap.  Some of that stuff is much better than some of the stuff I've made for camping.  I think it's lingering sentiment over valid complaints of the quality fd used to have.  They've gotten a lot better at it now.

It's a weight savings when compared to fresh food.

Rehydrating in a pot works better than in the pouch.

I dehydrate my own and my food is 1/2 the weight/meal that store bought fd stuff is.  Usually tastes better too, usually.

Less than $50 on a dehydrator 15 years ago has saved me thou$and$.