The crate was invaluable to us when each of of our two first came home. With Joe, because he's a nosesy-pants and was getting into everything. With Brees, because Joe kinda wanted to eat her! It's mainly used as a den (door open) by Brees now, but Joe will go in when he's playing musical beds. I recently used it for Brees at night when we had a Shih Tzu staying with us that she sometime forgot wasn't a bunny.
Snowpuppy's point about crates at the vet is valid. Even you just crate the dog briefly at random intervals, it will make them less likely to flip out if they have to be crated for medical reasons. I think having one is a good idea. It may be a waste of money and space, but it may also be a great tool.
And then, there are dogs like Tricia's Murray. When she says he'd kill himself to get out of a crate, I believe her 100%. That *isnt't* the norm, but it happens. (And Murray is the best, best dog!)