Hi @Benjamin,
I was driving non-lifted for a long time, but what I did when I had the chance to. I was changing to rubicon springs and shocks. Which is a very cost efficient option to get a 0.5 inch lift and a better ride quality and you can achieve another inch or half an inch because you can then go with 32,5 inch tires, 33 is not possible because they will rub if you don't change to high top fenders. You can get it quite cheap as take outs in the garages or at dubizzle, I don't remember what I paid but it was close to just the working hours for installation.
Meanwhile I am lifted again by 2,5 inch but I agree that you will get the best result if you know exactly what you want I was choosing each part and my shocks were re-built to the softness I wanted to have. Take your time I bet you will feel when you need / want it. For me the trigger was a ride in Badayer where I was struggling a lot compared to others during uneven climbs and washboards (it was not a Carnity ride). But again I agree with everybody that it is not a must. If we have a ride together you can go for a test round if you want to.
Regards,
Felix