Well I guess I am a little like d00d - I guess I am a thrill-seeker. I ran the battery on my 02 for 5 years.
I ride year round - not everyday, but even in the winter I manage to ride once or twice a week. I have never used a battery tender, but my bike stays in my climate controlled shop - I think keeping the battery from being exposed to sub-freezing temps really helps extend battery life.
For you guys that can't ride in the winter and/or store your bikes in sub-freezing temps, the battery tender is a great idea. Even then, you will probably have to replace your battery more often. Batteries perform better when you can use them - riding with lights and accessories and charging while riding.
I do carry a small set of jumper cables - they don't take up any more room than an extra pair of gloves. So far, I have only used them to jump other bikes - not my own.