I think it really depends on what ones goal is when purchasing.
The pics on SWA are pretty transparent as to how this rock looks. Nothing showstopping about it, but if the goal is to diversify one's biome, I do find it of value. I think it's great for the hobby, as most of our options have been limited to "premium aquacultured".
Yea, it's not packed in water....but neither was any of that other rock we used 25 years ago packed in it as well..didn't have enough crabs or worms? Just buy em separately..
Hell, there's aquascapes that are selling for 10 times the cost of this and are bone dry. BUT, they're nice to look at..
Again, all comes down to intended goals.
In a year, after its all encrusted with stuff, is there really someone that can tell the difference between them? Maybe back then, yes...distinctive shapes, coral patterns, and porosity were easy tells...nowadays, everything looks like maricultured marcorocks.
The pieces I got are decently shaped, base rock vibes, and are not permanent for my own set up..once they have spread their bacterial cooties to the rest of my rock, I would consider their job done and find someone who can use them from there. I was fortunate to have some macro life in my order...some I kept, others that were questionable were discarded. But I would imagine it's the same way with purchasing from any other supplier.