As I understand it, you need a non-stock launcher because the stock one will constantly search for the bloatware, and removing/freezing it can cause it to hang in awkward ways.
I also used root to install apks that verizon initially didn't allow, such as wireless tether and samsung's cardock (to use google maps in car mode rather than crappy VZ Navigator). Other than more aggressively managing apps, that's all I've used root for thus far, but I'm an android newb, so I'm sure more will come with time.