I am considering a 2017 NOBO thru hike and have wondered why freeze dried meals are not used more on the trail than they are. People tend to go for the dehydrated foods instead. We are such believers in freeze drying at our house that we even own a freeze drying machine. The process preserves nutrition, removes nearly all the water compared to dehydrated foods, and nearly anything can be freeze dried. It's a great way to carry things like fruits while leaving all the water weight at home. My questions are these:

1) How readily available on the trail are the Mountain House and other brands of freeze dried meals? Most outfitters carry these, but what about other shops you come across hiking the AT?
2) Why are people opting for alternatives that are often heavier (water content) with less nutrition? Is it primarily cost? I realize calories/oz is important.

Thanks!