My best cheap items from JMT hike last summer:
- water bottle clip to hold Smart Water bottle on pack strap https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B085G2PCXS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Dance pants (I called them combat pants) - light, warm, and cozy https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UR7TA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- BRS-3000 stove. So tiny. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XNLSNFR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Thinoptics reading glasses. Required for those of us with aging eyes. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O1206O8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Nylofume pack liner. Why carry a pack cover??
- Gossamer Gear thinlite 1/8" pad. Cheap, adds warmth and comfort, can be used as rain skirt
- Brondel GoSpa bidet. Who wants to carry used TP??
Not sure if you are married to the idea of the MSR specifically, but if you are open to other options, the BRS 3000T is on Amazon for $16, which is 1/3 the cost of the MSR. It's very popular in the ultralight community, and I rarely see anyone complain about it. Mine hasn't failed and I've got a solid 30 meals cooked with it.