I thought the same thing with the S2 and the gear. The S3 is the first time I got the carrier version to try it out and see if I like having the ability to not have to have the phone close by. So far I am glad I did it. It's nice I can run an errand and leave the phone behind, at home I can be doing things around the house, outside and leave the phone in one place and I'll get messages or calls irregardless if I'm connected to the phone or not. We all know that Samsung's Bluetooth range isn't that great.
Anyway it's nice not having to have the phone close by all the time, it gives a little freedom and if your doing stuff in a dangerous area for phones like on concrete you can leave the phone in a safe place with less chances of breaking it.