Well, for what it's worth, knowing what I know now, I would buy myself a rating if I had the chance to do it all over again.
Most of us didn't, and because we didn't, we'd very much like the rest of you to cue up behind us in this cue. But -the truth- is, buying a type-rating is probably going to get you further up the seniority lists, onto a higher pay-scale, and in the end probably with a hell of a lot more money and jop-security then collecting hours flying caravans or kingairs or taking a gross pay-cut for a bonded rating.
There are two simple facts. Those that have bought their own rating will, almost without expection, recommend you to do the same. Those that haven't won't.... and they're not looking out for your best interest when they say that.
My two cents.