FWIW, I've never had any issues with my Jetboil (maybe I should add, "yet"?) Of course, I never had any issues with other stoves I've owned, either.

I also carry a lighter, because I don't fully trust any piezo; I carry some matches because I don't fully trust any lighter.

Fully agree with not eating MRE's - my brother-in-law (career military) once told me that Meal, Ready to Eat was three lies for the price of one. (Tried one, once, and had to agree; my own military experience was with C-rations and in-flight lunches. No joy there, either.