I really use the timer on all my flights, I am not paranoic about death sticks, I have had plenty of them but I really want to enjoy the entire flight, practicing pattern maneuvers and have safety landings.
A friend of mine has a Venus II powered by a Saito 1.50, I do not know the size of the tank but that engine consumes a lot of fuel and he has a very tight time to perform the advanced pattern routine.
It is just not fun to run out of fuel when you are practicing those routines in the club field or away in a contest, so I find the use of a timer a good choice. Also take note that better radios have better timers included and there is a reason for that.