Letter of Intent Philosophy

Question for humans on the sending and receiving end - what is your philosophy on LOIs for residency?

For me, I'm feeling conflicted. It feels like like an unnecessary addition to an already complicated process. My top program currently is also one I've been emailing specific questions to this past week, so an additional "oh also, I love you" feels odd. That, and 2nd look days for my top programs are all mid/end of February, and I think I will feel more solid in my choice after visiting the locations/hospitals in person. But if an LOI is the thing that keeps from my top choice, I would be really disappointed.

To LOI or not to LOI, that is the question...(I probably should have answered last week, help).