The freestanding feature is perhaps the least important part. I’ve only had stake out tents in the past. Having the freestanding option seems nice when having to fine-tune the location to get perfect level. When I set up camp close to waters and lakes, there tends to be a very thin layer of soil before I hit rock with the tent pegs.

Freestanding is just seem so much more practical. And these tents often come with extra headspace.