You make a good point. I'm with ya when it comes to having some ready to eat (or easily made editable) foods on hand. I keep those in totes incase they need to go with me in a bug-out.
On the other hand, I think it's far cheaper, healthier, tastier and offers serious variety to have basic foods in bulk in your food storage (e.g. flour, cornmeal, sugar, spices, flavorings, oil, beans, canned meats, powdered milk, powdered eggs, canned butter, canned & dried vegetables & fruits).
Just my thoughts and what I've done...
The quake yesterday woke a few folks around here up and they are talking about stocking up. I hope they follow through.
My biggest worry is the infighting that will occur in my little enclave. Once it starts, we will be flooded with refugees who are unprepared and panicked.