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Since we can't possibly reproduce the native diets of the parrots we have in captivity - the native vegetation does not exist where most of us live - we need to provide carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and other nutritients in amounts considered appropriate for the various species, based on what we know at this time. Hopefully more research will be done on nutritional requirements for parrots, and we can refine the diets to feed them as well as possible. In the meantime, we know they need some complete protein which is in almost all cases in the wild provided by plant proteins, not animal protein. They need complex carbohydrates (not simple carbs from refined foods). They need high beta carotene foods, and minerals mostly supplied by a varied diet that includes lots of vegetables and a little fruit. Some species need more fat (Macaws for example) and others need much less fat (Amazons, Parrotlets, Cockatiels, Budgies as examples). Too much dietary fat especially for certain species leads to far too many cases of Fatty Liver Disease. Yes, a wild bird that flies many miles a day might be able to eat more fat than a captive bird, even if that bird is flighted. Certainly they would need more energy and would eat more carbohydrates. It's very unlikely that a flighted bird in our homes would ever fly as much as a wild parrot does.
Some species need higher protein levels (Macaws again and breeding birds), some need much lower protein levels (Pionus comes to mind). Some can tolerate higher levels of synthetic Vitamin A in some pellets and other fortified foods if people choose to feed those, and other species (such as Cockatiels) have a lower tolerance and exhibit health problems at certain levels of supplementation. So while there is some knowledge of parrot nutrition now which for me and others leans towards providing a varied diet of whole, natural foods, with more research we hopefully will learn more and more. Being flexible and staying abreast of new information helps to keep us current with the latest findings.
Not sure what your point is about dried fruit - you say "It's easier to overeat on dehydrated foods, though". That was my point. Birds (and people!) can eat far more dried apricots or other dried fruits than in the fresh form that has a high water content, and the sugar content of the dried fruit does become a concern because of the amount consumed. Many parrot mixes of various kinds have a fair amount of dried fruit included. My preference is to feed strictly fresh fruit, as part of a healthy, varied diet.
I'm also not sure what you mean by your emphasis on fruit. Fruit of course has nutrients, some types of fruit more than others, but two major nutrients it is lacking are protein and Calcium. It's necessary to have a varied diet to cover the nutritional bases, but maybe you believe that also. It just was hard for me to understand from what you said.
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