Before I bought my first dropper post, I used use the quick release, drop down my post, stop at the bottom of whatever it was, use the quick release and pull it up again. I felt bad doing this - I hate unnecessary wear, especially in part of the frame that can't really be replaced. I eventually paid the exorbitant amount for a dropper at the time. Of course the seat tube was so loose from the post sliding up and down, that I used contact cement on the new dropper to help it not slip down the seat tube and minimise sideways and front and back movement in the tube (the dropper post below the clamp). I still have to use contact cement whenever I take the dropper out of that bike. It's still reasonably easy to remove - loosen clamp, twist from side to side etc. That was probably just a month of wear on a then new bike?
I imagine if you lived somewhere incredibly flat, like Holland, they may be of little benefit. I'd still want one when jumping curbs or running down stairs or just when I anticipate having to brake really hard.
