The problem with a hot fire is predictability and control.. Now you will see everyone and his uncle swear that's how grandpa did it on the wagon trains out west etc... Well it can be done... You can also jump out of a plane without a chute and live... Just don't count on the same results every time ... And besides if grandpa did wreck one, it's a simple 50 cent item at the next hardware store to replace ... Problem is... Most of those foundries went under years ago... Finding a new Griswold skillet just ain't like it used to be...
How hot is your fire? I mean exactly... Too hot and scaling or pink iron occurs (and no we don't know that exact temp on ever piece). Is your fire the exact same temp all over? Never seen a camp fire that was... What happens to a fire when a breeze fans it? How do you cool the item down evenly..
We used to do surgery by drilling holes in your skull and letting blood out too, but there are better ways these days... And if you ever felt how light and thin a 150 year old cast iron skillet is, you just can't imagine sticking it in a fire... Thanks for the questions