I ate my share of MREs in the Army, and I still take them if I'm only going for one night (which is the case more than half the time). Yes, they're heavier than dehydrated, but since I don't have to carry a stove and fuel it's actually the lighter option for a simple overnighter. And if I'm in an area with no water source, that's 1.5 - 2 cups more water that I can drink instead of using to prepare food.

As to the complaints of constipation, I've never had that issue, even after eating them for a week straight during field training exercises. And the "laxative gum" is an urban myth - they're just plain Chiclets. The fact is that today's rations are the most palatable and the most nutrient-rich with the widest variety that has ever existed in any military. No it's not gourmet, but then I'm not hiking into the backcountry for a fine dining experience.