btw another huge benefit of rooting is (as mentioned by another poster) is SetCPU - not to overclock - but just to set the battery saver profile aka "screen off" profile. what it does is minimizes the processor to the minimum when the screen is off.
ive seen a huge difference in battery performance.
titanium backup is great - i used to use it all the time but with ICS, its so easy to have all of your apps restored. as long as you enable "backup my data" & "automatic restore" in settings >> backup and restore.
but if there is one benefit it would have to be "wireless tether" (free) for rooted users. its really simple to root this gnex, and there are 1 click options already... (i believe)
have you tried the google + hangout from the gnex?
its pretty cool - i think we should start a galaxy nexus DD hangout
DAN - I noticed that your first post was figuring out sound settings.
I have been using Locale since coming to Android. benefit is that based on where i am/time/pre-defined event, a certain thing/setting is set. so for example, 11pm i have the night profile which silences notifications.... also, wifi by default is off, but when locale sees im at work or home wifi is turned on. (via cell tower location)
this OLD post (from my blog thats not really updated anymore) may interest some:
http://anothermobiletechblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/screenshots-on-verizons-htc-thunderbolt.html