The reason for that type of capsule is that it's not just a plastic capsule - it's a plastic capsule containing a sealed pocket of what's most likely some kind

The reason for that type of capsule is that it's not just a plastic capsule - it's a plastic capsule containing a sealed pocket of what's most likely some kind of enzyme solution designed to react to gluten molecules, plus a device that the capsule fits into with a sensor to pick up the relevant change in that solution. For people with serious gluten issues this might be worthwhile though I suspect most of them have by now managed to come up with workarounds (e.g. when traveling & concerned about airport delays, bring along a microwavable GF rice noodle dish or at least GF snacks). For people avoiding gluten because it doesn't fit into their "paleo lifestyle" then yes, this is a waste.