@Kim Shook My reaction was not food snobbery based in intent. It was more my wrapping my head around all the effort and money put into "development". I understand the need for uniformity for a chain. The consumer needs to receive what they expect. Why many tourists from US for example sigh with relief at seeing a McD - they want a hit of what they are used to alongside new tastes in other countries. I also have read about the assembly time considerations many in fast food - key word "fast". Back in the day when we all went out to the bar after work on Wednesdays to celebrate making it past "hump day" - a cheap consistent Taco Bell bean and cheese burrito to get you through to Thursday was a joy. As @blue_dolphin noted - the article is a very interesting peek into the backstory of what many take for granted.
BTW: for Kim on the taco crunch - a beloved Los Angeles food spot Tito's Tacos is famous for its hard shell tacos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2fzboe5BbE
