I think all of us understand that camping will include folks with campfires. I enjoy a campfire (I'm the one sitting 20' away) just for the conversational aspect of it. I've asked to be moved from a site where my neighbors already had a smoky fire going, no whining involved - it was easier for us to move than for the neighbors to change which way the wind was blowing.
But maybe the campgrounds that have gotten rid of fire rings, have become tired of cleaning up the garbage, listening to complaints about smoky fires, or noisy groups staying up late around the campfires, worrying about frequent burn bans, etc. Like so many other things, a few rotten apples CAN spoil it for everyone.