That is what I suspected when I bought them. A good third tier reserve. Lots of convenient carbs and the entrees could serve as a base for added protein or flavors. Of course a large part of the world lives on rice and beans.There are more calories in an HDR than a regular MRE.
I bought two cases a while back and haven't made it to the second case yet. They're not great. The cookies, crackers, and pop tarts are fine, but the entrees are pretty terrible. Basically just rice and beans, or tomato sauce and peas (blegh). Better if you can find some way to heat them.