"I dislike the steel fuel cells due to weight and being nearly un-crushable, so a stove that is stingy on fuel and suffering some freeze dried and no-cook food would help.  Any suggestions for brands of palatable freeze dried or other light, quick fixed food would also be appreciated."

I get 6 days of use out of one of the 100 gram canisters with my jetboil when solo.  I have several, 2 of the "regular", and 2 of the "Sol" which was discontinued.  I got 6 days use out of the 230 gram canister, using it for 2 people.  I don't let the stove run any longer than needed to boil water, and immediately shut it down once the water has boiled.  if you aren't getting something close to that, maybe your Jetboil isn't working right?

The bigger cannisters are cheaper per gram, either the 230 or 450 gram cannisters.  when empty, at home I punch a hole in the can with a nail and throw them in the recyclables.  never have tried to crush one.