For the average homeowner that is not into ham radio what benfit is provided by a good connection to dirt?
Actually, an earth connection is very over rated by ham radio operators and with few exceptions based upon antenna design, radios don't need an earth connection to work.
Now, if there are big towers, and those could be for things other than antennas, an earth ground is important.
Also, a good earth ground will mitigate some of the damage caused by an open neutral coming into the structure by providing a path for unbalanced current back to the transformer. In our local city where most of the water lines are still metal, lost neutrals sometimes aren't even noticed. I saw one completely severed on a house next to one we were working on in the city and the people that lived there didn't even notice it.
To earth or not to earth is a question with many answers. Lightning is usually involved in the discussion, but lightning is a fickle sprite and seemingly has a mind of it's own, so many dismiss the fact that an earthed system is needed for lightning protection.
I will tell you that it is. I have been in weather radar and 911 dispatch centers that operate while taking direct lightning hits and it's the engineered path to ground that saves the people and equipment.
Does a CEE or a couple rods provide that same protection from lighting or other surges in a residence? Some say no, but the NEC seems to think yes.
Also, we need to remember that each structure, no matter how flimsy the earthing is, contributes the to overall scheme of things concerning our multiple grounded neutral distribution system.