I would spend the $15 on a SNAP if/when needed (the technical user), and be done with it. You are $5-10 above the usb-serial converter you otherwise would have to buy, but now you have the advantage of being able to easily switch to another chip without having to worry about a bootloader each time you switch. You also no longer need to worry about special linker scripts, reduction in user app flash availability, special software, and so on. You also get the advantage of being able to debug when needed. A one time purchase that will last many years. If you are using (and need) the mclr pin on a 12F (cannot then use low voltage programming), then move to a 14 pin pic.
Bootloaders have a place, but can often be more work and trouble than they are worth. The best bootloader is no bootloader.