Went for a gentle weekend camping to a nearby island.
Discovered that the tent pitches were on wooden platforms (they are like forklift pallets about 8ft square 6in off the ground - anybody know why? )
My ultralight tent isn't self supporting and needs to be pegged in - difficult into seasoned lumber.
The PSK's paracord and some elementary knot tying later I'm all set!

Ok - not exactly survivorman

Pests, insects, reptiles, etc.

Drainage.

To stop users from destroying the island with various ill-conceived digging projects.

It's amazing how much moisture and heat exchange happens when you sleep right on the ground.

A small elevated platform means you sleep drier and warmer, don't track mud into your tent, and as dweste said, you aren't inclined to dig trenches to divert that surprise thunderstorm.

You also have less chance of blowback/runback when you, uh, point-and-shoot at the night. But mind the wind nonetheless.

you should look into hammock camping-all you need are two tie off points

very nice, that you were PREPARED. Its the name of the game.