How important is meal timing?
Meal timing matters, but it is usually secondary to total calories, protein, food quality, training, and adherence. A workable meal schedule that hits the main targets beats an "optimal" schedule that collapses under real life.
For most people, 3-5 eating occasions works well. That usually gives enough chances to distribute protein, manage hunger, and fuel training without turning the day into constant feeding. Very low meal frequency can make protein and hunger more difficult; very high frequency can make food feel intrusive.
Nutrient timing can matter more when training is long, intense, or repeated within the same day. In ordinary conditions, use timing to make the plan easier to execute.