Well DaVeAU, I got the multi, and got a job, and haven't needed an instrument rating at all, as we only fly VFR. I fly regular ferry flights at night in remote areas, which is good IF practice, and will be getting my IR at some point (when I have a break from work!).
I didn't plan it that way, but passed my IREX and then got messed around by a flight school when I went to do my MECIR and only had enough time to complete my multi before starting work - so in the end, didn't have a choice.
In my opinion, yes it will make you a more complete pilot, and yes it will be advantageous to have a few renewals when it comes time to move up to RPT. If you can afford to do it, do it.
But it is hard to do renewals remotely, and if you can't afford to do it right now, or - like me - circumstance conspires against you, it's not the end of the world.
I spoke to a CFI of a school that specialises in IR training not long ago and his own opinion was most new CPLs were better off trying to land that first job up north and get a bit of real-world flying under their belts before getting a MECIR. In his words: "No-one's going to give you a job flying twins and most of the flying up north is VFR. You need to go out and scare yourself a couple of times, get some hours under your belt and then come back and see me - then you'll really appreciate what an instrument rating is for!"
Many of his students have 800+ hours before they tackle their MECIR, which is about when they're looking to step up to twins.
I will say I've seen a few pilots up here with IR's who never use them and let them lapse - that's just the reality.