They're sooooo worth it! You just have to be really, really, really careful. ;< I could tell you horror stories of bad gauging. But if you take your time, do it smart, and expand your lobes slowly, it's so much fun! n_n; If/when you do start gauging, I'll happily walk you through the process. I've been back and forth so many times now I know the rules in my damn sleep lol.
Unless you're planning on doing it in a shop, in which case it's still worth it! xD