To (Dress) Form or not to (Dress) Form?

For those of you who’ve invested in a dress form, have you actually used it, or not so much?

If you’ve used it:

how much would you say you use it?

how useful is it really; does using it influence your ability to fit complex areas of a pattern, such as bust curve, armhole shape, etc.?

What uses do you mostly get from yours, if you’re using it, even if only sometimes?

I’m considering purchasing a professional grade one. I’m an experienced sewist with decades of professional experience in many kinds of garment making/pattern alteration/custom garment design and construction, but I’ve never sewn much for myself, and I’ve always thought if I had a dress form that actually matched my shape, I might be able to design/sew my own clothes and get results I’d wear. I’m planning to pad whatever form I end up buying, to be specific to my fit needs.

Still deciding whether to get a less expensive but highly recommended one that’s got a foam layer but is supposedly pin-able, or a more expensive one with a felt layer that’s definitely pin-able. Any thoughts if you’ve got experience with either type or both?

I’m mostly questioning whether I’ll really find it useful for what I want it for, or if it just seems that way.

Any experiences, input you want to share is welcome.

Thanks!