xxx wrote:
I've got no professional aviation aspirations buy might buy my own
airplane in the reasonably-near future. I can see that I'd get more
utility out of it with the legal right to punch a layer when it's
convenient.

And that is one of the best reasons.... you will get to use your airplane
more often, with the result that you will maintain currency and competency.
Insurance companies know this and that is why your insurance rates will
be lower with an instrument rating.