Yes the foot switch is a real safety improvement, for me. If you are not so sure footed or have a dog in the shop maybe not for you. But it's great to not have to let go of the work to start and stop. I sure would not want to go back to the old way.

Ex; yesterday I was cutting tendon cheeks and wanted to stop the cut while still holding the rail tight to the fence. I did not have to stretch far enough to clear the blade.

If something starts to feel wrong during a cut it helps to not have to let go with one hand to reach for the switch.

it's nice to be able to line up and grip the workpiece(es) then start the saw without regripping