Could use reverse once in a while...BUT I think that is the big part of, one of the reasons, for constantly working on and developing yur slo-riding skills and techniques...
I'm also looking into reverse. On my recent trip through British Columbia I really could have used it. Amazing how a minor bump or a little uphill grade can make it tough on gravel when trying to back up.
This is $100 cheaper. Wow, like you said...kinda spendy. I'd probably forget and leave it in reverse and when it was time to leave... "Vroom, vroom...OH_OH...CRASH!"