I don't see the value of Flight Following in this case. (Sarcasm) Does the
controller somehow get in the airplane and make this ill-advised flight
safer?

in which case?

In my case, (high altitude flight to Cleveland) it ensured I would be in
communication with the controllers when I was ready for an IFR
clearance, and it gave me some information on weather ahead (which may
have been available from flight watch too).

I disagree that my flight was ill-advised.

Are you referring to the OP's flight? (low altitude dodging weather)

Jose
--
"Never trust anything that can think for itself, if you can't see where
it keeps its brain."
(chapter 10 of book 3 - Harry Potter).
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.