I was thinking about this question today as someone used our work printer for some personal stuff.
As for me, I am printing little things that I would say make it worth it. I’ve printed lens adapters for my camera for example. That’s worth a good 14 to 30 bucks per print. My most favorite photo was with an adapted lens that came from a projector. I also printed IEMs and those things are worth it. Listening to music is second to none on those things. Plus I printed the same shell but for ear protection and again the fit is perfect and sure there’s post processing to get smooth surfaces but in the end it looks like a professional made it. So I think 3d printers are worth it.
Yes, in the same way a kayak, PS5, or e-reader are worth it. I learned so much and had a great time learning to use it with my kids. We occasionally made useful items, but never turned a profit or saved a life.
Still totally worth it.
Though, to be fair, we bought a basic Anet machine on Ali followed by a second hand knock-off so it wasn’t the thousands you can spend today.