Scott, I upgraded because I wanted to push my credentials as far as they 
could go.  I also found the extra questions easier than the general because 
of their topical organization.

The extra privileges are nice, for a couple of reasons.
1.  its easier to find the end of the band this way.
2.  Easier to work DX with less power, since the competition is less.

3.  more DX to work since they have to deal with fewer ugly Americans.

Besides I took the last 20 WPM extra ever given by the VEC team in 
Milwaukee.  I am better at CW than technology, I wanted my extra when that 
skill still had value.