What happens if the pellets dry out?

[Rothrock42]

I've read several different tutorials and blog posts on preparing the LECA for use and almost all of them have a very dire "Never let the pellets dry out." kind of warning.

But they never back that up with a why.

What happens if you do? Does the sun go dark? All the unicorns will die? What?

I'm wondering if you can do the initial rinsing and rounds of soaking, then let them dry. And then, when you need them, get away with a shorter, simple overnight soak? Or is there something "activated" that once it gets wet and then dries it can't go back?