I missed the part where this was a simulation game. 
Realism is secondary to gameplay. Jars were a waste of space and entirely unnecessary. Other types of containers disappear and they wanted jars to do the same as everything else. Works for me. I hated the jars. Now, if you want to discuss water collection, that's an entirely different discussion. If you want immersion, well, your only option will be a mod if it really bothers you that much. They won't bring them back.
FranticDan had a good "class" about meat, so I'll just second his comment.