Which is more important to monitor temp or inflation? Will you stay parked if the temp is too high? Tires can take quite a bit of heat. They do not take under inflation near as well. And, no offense to anyone, using the old trucker bat would be like using snail mail. They both have some merit but why use 1950's tech when there are much better solutions? While the OP may be able to buy a new set of tires for the price of a TPMS how much to repair body work, electrical or, worst case, medical bills incurred because of a flat tire that causes a serious accident? There are many good reasons to use TPMS. I can not think of any good reasons not to have TPMS.
RichH