I think the CFI helps to make you a better teacher. Owning, maintaining and operating a plane makes you a better pilot. I was a full time instructor for a long time. I sat in the right seat while others flew. Flying my own plane on trips all over the US and Alaska is what made me a bush pilot.

Each I suppose has their merits however there are a lot of unused CFI rating out there. In regards to career building the money could be better spent on flight time over wasted ratings. Nice to have but for most resources are limited.

I have plenty of friends who skipped the CFI and are able to advance in their careers. In my experience most bush pilot types started out in their own planes.

Skyhigh