My first several planes had rudder and I never really realized how much I used it until I got a SPAD that didn't have it. I mean, obviously I knew that I was using it when I intended to (aerobatics) but the first time I flew that SPAD I couldn't figure out why I couldn't fly a straight line until I realized that I was flying the rudder stick without having rudder on the plane.

It was at about that point that I really understood how important and overlooked the rudder is in everyday flight.

I guess on the list of the four basic flight controls rudder is fourth on the list when listed in order of importance to SAFE flight. (assuming that he plane equipped with all four) But if you want to make your flying look impressive and skillful rudder is just as importand as the other three.