I'm am going to have to chime in and say yes, it's worth it for all the reasons above. I went back to try Slic3r after S3D and it was a nightmare to use. Cura seemed to be lacking a lot of features as well.

Believe, me I hated shelling out $150, but considering what I have been able to do with it, so easily...it's worth it. It just makes the whole 3D printing process so much more enjoyable, especially pulling off the bed what was on the screen