I've done tours on Chinook and GR4 and have deployed numerous times with both on exercise and ops so have seen both sides of the coin.
I think the issue here is :
1. A lack of Operational focus at Akrotiri.
2. A lack of leadership at Squadron and MOB (at all levels) to sort something out. Let's face it, one of the basics is to ensure people are fed adequately.
That said, I always found that expectations of 'home comforts' was higher on the FJ fleet. Personally, if the accommodation wasn't a tent and I didn't have to cook my own food I considered myself well off.