My 17" OLFA rotating cutting mat.
I've been quilting for 20 years and putting myself at risk with odd, somewhat dangerous hand positions with my rotary cutter. I recently bought the rotating mat for a workshop where we cut lots of fan blades and it sure came in handy.
I love it.

I did second think about my Go when it came available to buy. It was so new then I had to be on a preorder list. I would replace it in a minute if it broke. I bought the Quilter's Slidelock when it was only available in Australia under another name. I bought a Quilter's Select ruler to try and it is the best ruler I have ever used. I now have the QS mat, and all sizes of the rulers. I buy Creative Grid brand when I need a specialty ruler. The Martelli round rotating mat has been wonderful to have.

Honestly I have never found a notion or ruler that I thought was extravagant. I buy new ones all the time to try out. How can you tell if they are something that you will love using if you don't try them?

When I started quilting it was after both my kids graduated from college. Nothing I could have or do buy for quilting would be as expensive as two girls in college at the same time. LOL

I've spent a lot of money on all kinds of different rulers, both for cutting and for machine quilting. And I usually only use the same couple rulers.

I don’t know what brand my rotating mat is, but it’s in the pile for our next yard sale. It has a lot of give in the middle, which means that cuts get all wonky, and I hate using it. Is the OLFA mat solid (well supported) all the way across the middle?

I am with you 100% I love my slide lock rulers and use them all the time. Well worth the expense. I have both sizes too. I also love my creative grid 8 1/2" by 24" ruler.

I also love wonder clips, I rarely use pins any more, and the Martelli rotating mat is wonderful.

So far, I haven't seen the merits in a rotating mat.
Instead, I lay a smaller cutting mat overtop of my regular large one.
Cut, then turn the mat with everything on it.

Maybe someone else will enlighten me as to the "need" for a rotating one vs. what I am doing?

I have the Olfa, Fiskars, and Elna rotating mats. They can't compare to the Martelli 16" big round one. I'm not a fan of Martelli products but do like the rotating mat. It will last me my lifetime. I think the Matilda's Own Rotary mat is very good from the reviews it has. I haven't used one of those. I see Matilda's 15" is on a sale at Craftsy now. $49, reg $75.

I don't regret a dime spent on my Accuquilt Studio and Dies. Best quilting investment I have ever made. Most regretted investment was a Longarm, just not my cup of tee.