Yeah, understood and agree, that’s exactly why I went with the pedal approach myself. Cheaper, lighter, and gives you the tube sound without needing to invest in a tube amp 
If you already have a tube amp there is no need for the pedal. Unless you want a smaller solution for taking it out and about.
Another good option for people that wanted this in an amp would be the hybrid amps like Gallien-Krueger makes with their Fusion line; tube preamp, solid state power section, so both tube-sounding and small/light.
https://www.gallien-krueger.com/fusion-s-heads
Tubes add awesome qualities to the sound, and I agree completely that people should explore that!