I look at it as a great way into every band
This may be a point of contention with some, but its also a ticket punch. I work in a system where it doesnt matter what you know, its what you can prove you know. As an extra, I can explain the way things work, and I can show I actually know what Im talking about.
It also gets me listened too when I talk about mods for radios and other issues which apparently have not been considered by our so called "experts" who really dont have the first clue about what they are doing, especially in a DF problem. I work with a pile of drooling idiots.
And thats why I want my Extra call sign, I know what Im doing, I just have to get the "official ticket punch"
Another advantage, you tend to get treated a little better , at least locally by other HAMs when you talk to them. Apparently Extra is not as common in reality as in the boards here. So, an Extra call sign when meeting other HAMs, especially those who are club affiliated makes a difference. I was asked who I studied with and what club I was a member of when I tested for General. It was a surprise for them to find I did it myself. Extra will just compound that.
My local club is not the most friendly to new members, but I think thats a rarity and not common in the community. The groups doing testing in Tucson were very friendly when I was there.