Thoughts on the 'need' factor of a main line surge protector

BTW My HW50C purchased in 2004 protected me the very first trip with 160V on a 30A pedestal, not common but it happened and I could not get unplugged fast enough. Its now in the second rig and both DYI installations were done w/o any wires cut and hence easy to move again. But many can't or shouldn't install it themselves which makes the portable unit attractive pricewise.