> It's way better then its rep

Sorry but no, it has the reputation it deserves. It's an admirable invention for fast caffeine delivery, but you can get so much better flavor out of coffee that it's not even close.

Unfortunately instant coffee still has microplastics from the production process. Probably even more than regular coffee actually.

Instant coffee is horrible. I choose tea over instant coffee if that's all that is available, but otherwise I drink Aeropress coffee.