obviously you should avoid ever getting into IMC conditions if you or the aircraft are not up to it!
Sadly we are very imperfect beings and with all the best intentions do get into pretty bad messes in many walks of life not just aviation.
Any insurance (not financial) That you have can save your life in one of those situations.
So yes do fit equiptment than can give you basic wings level speed and altitude.
Remember too its more often than not pilots who loose control or turn aeroplanes upside down.
Properly trimmed and just using rudder most will fly level with little input from the pilot.
Have a good radio and a back up handheld to talk to someone and get steers.
As for keeping current a basic Microsoft FS can do that for you.
Anything that gives you more choice options has to be a plus whether in training or equiptment.
Thought there was quite a good GPS unit which gives its own mini partial panel?
Pace