I've started commuting and running errands on a skinny tire Litespeed "Frankenbike".

Necessary: No
Would I recommend it to others: Probably not.
Do I like it: Absolutely. Scratch, dent, and rust resistance is phenomenal (but not necessary for a commuter/errand bike).

I still eventually will do a few updates on it to further customize it to my needs. Fenders? Rack?