I have a collection of at least 15 backpacking stoves including military models, of course they cover all the fuels and cartridges, including passive wood burning and fan assisted wood burning (ZZ Stoves for example).
One way I justify the convenience and expense (the luxury) of models like the propane cartridge type, or this chafing fuel type (interestingly, the type I don’t own yet), is for situations where I might be sick or injured, during a time of enduring the flu, or food poisoning, or a bout with bad water, or an injury, in that situation I would need simplicity in cooking, or boiling water.
In some situations keeping odors to a minimum might be a consideration.
What is the shelf life of this product?
I’m SOOO glad its not just us, although I think you have us beat. We have 8 or 9.
I have 3 that are “mine” that range from a single burner that is simplicity itself (gets used on the sailboat a lot), to a two burner with an oven (camping trips with the grand kids).
The oldest backpacking stove I refer to as “the bomb”. I keep throwing it away and my husband keeps retrieving it - it was his first backpacking stove.
At least if the electricity goes or we’re forced to abandon civilization, we’ll eat.