Unlike what you stated, it quite needs some practice to get the right formula for cooking rice. There are at least three kind of rice sold in Asian markets, and

Unlike what you stated, it quite needs some practice to get the right formula for cooking rice. There are at least three kind of rice sold in Asian markets, and different kind of rice need different duration, heat, and water to get the best taste. And cooking in pan often leaves fried rice layer at bottom, which could destroy the flavor of the whole pot. It is not simple as you state. Just think about it this way, East Asians might be the people in the world eat most rice in their meals, and they all use rice cooker. There must be a reason for that. Also most East Asian don't add salt when cooking rice, but after cooking white vinegar is added for sushi rice.