> because MCP brings _nothing_ to the table that I could not do with a "proper" API using completely standard tooling.

This is what drives me crazy and has stopped my tinkering with MCP in its tracks: what is the point? It's not bringing anything new. It's usually not easier to set-up than what you're describing. Or, if you absolutely must have an LLM in the mix, normal function calling does just as well as MCP.

It's a real, "I feel like I'm taking crazy pills" moment: there's all this hype and bluster and "wow look at this", but there is no "this". Everyone's talking about "it can do" and "it'll be amazing when", but there's nothing actually built and present and ready that is impressive.