Flying a 172M VFR for 28 years, I have degenerated to a one item
checklist (FUEL!) as I feel I can deal with any of the other things as
either normal routine or as they become obvious. Fuel! is the one
thing I don't ever want to deal with on a priority basis.

GUMPS is good but it also needs to have (cowl and wing) flaps added.

Checklists would seem much more important for more complicated aircraft
or different aircraft even of the same type.