I bought an old Thomas JH-1 on eBay. I had more money than caution at the time. It turned out to be a very satisfying pedal to use. The new digital 'we-can-model-anything' gizmos just don't sound as real to my ears.

The Doctor has it right. Effects are part of your sound. You gotta try 'em out for yourself. Only you can decide if something deserves to be part of your rig.