I actually like the texture the quinoa gives it (some don't) but mainly I include it because it gives you a big jolt of a complete protein.
I should also have mentioned that about half the time I substitute an 8oz. package Trader Joe's Meatless Ground Beef for the quinoa which gives the dish a really meaty texture and doesn't have any of that faintly bitter after taste I've experienced in some soy crumbles. Between the TJMGB and the smoked paprika I sometimes have a hard time convincing people that this dish doesn't contain meat. You're right, Steve, no cumin is better than stale cumin.