IMO the slide topper is worth every penny, even if it seems like too much initially... If nothing else, it reduces the chance of leaks in an area that is notorious for leaking....
As I use our trailer during the winter it stops the buildup of snow directly on the slide roof. This makes it a ton easier to bring the slide in without having to worry about cleaning the roof first. Also keeps the roof dry in rainy weather, which means I don't have to crawl on top of it to dry it off once the slide is in.
And ScottG, we do the same with the broom. One of us brings in the slide and the other brooms off any leaves or **** that is stuck to the topper as it rolls in.