Nicholas Paczkowski wrote:

 

The manual indicates that rudder trim is optional. Is there a consensus on whether rudder trim is worth the effort? Thanks.

 

I have yet to see a L-IV or L-IVP without rudder trim and I think that this speaks for itself.  My experience is that rudder trim varys "considerably" from takeoff to cruise but once at cruise, it doesnt vary.  The traffic pattern can take a little trim but mostly the rudder.  This is why I  recommend pitch and roll trim on the coolie hat  and rudder trim on the panel above the throttle.
Hope this helps.  Regards,  Bill Hogarty