Watched my friend make chili in a cast iron pot on a beach fire last fall. He threw in whatever we had, just let it bubble away for ages. The taste was insane, like nothing from his expensive kitchen back home. Now he says all his smart appliances feel overkill for real flavor. I mean, that trip kinda broke his brain about cooking gear. Idk, maybe it's just me but seeing that happen makes your post totally click.
Your friend's chili sounds amazing, but @miagarcia has a point about gear not being the whole story. Sometimes the best meals just need time and a good fire, not less tech.