I agree it is an easy step to take to rehydrate. But, thing is, the first couple dozen times I used it I just sprinkled on top - I had good results, good attenuation, etc. So there was a baseline to compare to. The next several times I rehydrated and could literally tell no difference in attenuation, lag time, or beer quality. Undoubtedly on a cellular level it make sense to rehydrate, no arguments. Just can't look back and pick a time when I saw any difference whatsoever, or I'd damn sure be doing it . Having said all this, I prefer 1056 when there's time to make a starter. I use S-05 for spur of the moment American styles brewing.