While having a network connection on the pre-pro isn't mandatory, you've got to admit that it has become de rigeur for mid-tier and higher end consumer gear. Would I use it? Probably not. However, it does open up some opportunities:

1. painless network firmware upgrades
2. streaming media from local devices over the network (pads/phones/NAS/etc)
3. alternate control method for the unit (there's nifty android and Iphone/Ipad remote control software out there for a wide variety of receivers)

One of the disadvantages of being this late to the party is that you might miss out on some of the more "cutting edge" convenience features like network connectivity in an effort to speed things along. Not a particularly important feature for me, but that's the way the consumer market seems to be heading.