I'm at the crossroads, anybody else?

Tony Beach wrote:

I would be inclined to say you don't need it. At best it's debatable, and that suggests to me that your money would be better spent in other (less debatable) ways.

You have fine photos there, and I think your approach is clearly working for you. Personally, I'm either bringing my camera with the intention of using it, which means a larger camera/lens/tripod is not an issue (within reason, I don't want to be dragging unnecessary lenses with me on long hikes). I'm something of an avid cyclist, and I have come to the conclusion that when I'm out riding I don't want to be bothered by photography; and vice versa -- so I don't see any real value in compromising either activity to accommodate the other. Just my two cents.