Matt - to answer your question, yes - there is much to be gained.  Don't need a fancy extension block.  After all, the extension block is only an extension to the "40 miles of shite cabling" that comes from the substation   I personally do have a pair of Olson Soundfantastic blocks.  I think they're basically just their standard computer block (with surge supression etc) in a black case.  I didn't to A/B testing when I got them and if they did make a difference it was small.  I needed some new blocks and they looked quality, had been recommended to me and weren't very expensive.

Michael.