I'll admit to being spoiled, and having become lazy because of DRO's, but also I must credit them for helping eliminate errors and speeding work up immensely. I was well into my career before being exposed to DRO's and immediately felt that they were more efficient.
On the X axis of a lathe for example, when I rough in a piece, I simply establish the largest OD for the part, by measurement of course, then enter the numerical value of the size I cut. Let's use 4.000" for example. I can set the Z off the face at 0.000, then turn all the steps for features on the part, starting at 3.8750 (or whatever), then down to the next size, and so on. It is accurate also accurate in Z, and leaving appropriate stock for finishing. Same drill for finishing. Once I am satisfied the DRO is "calibrated", it is a simple matter to turn all the finish diameters and lengths by reading the DRO. I don't have to even glance at the dials. As a nod to CNC training, I often leave 0.015 for a finish pass, and after checking that it is indeed 0.015 oversize, take my finish cuts. Or adjust as necessary if it is 0.014 or 0.016.
On the mill, it saves a lot of math finding centers of parts, or moving incrementally versus absolute in either axis. I presently do not have a digital for the Z on the bp clone, but have used them, and they do work.
I don't claim to be able to cut repeatedly to within 0.0002 on any machine, but on an as needed basis, I have one lathe that will do it readily when needed. Just have to pay attention to detail. The DRO on that lathe reads only in 0.002 increments, on diameter, so if I need to get close than that, I do hang a tenths reading indicator on it for those cuts.
Overall, DRO's make a machinists life much easier, and less prone to making simple mistakes.