Doug, don't rule out the try-before-you-buy plan with some flat nosed pliers you may have around already, like Michel mentioned. I use an assortment of tweezers to do my PE work, and while not really optimal perhaps, result's are satisfactory. I'm all for having the right tools for the job, but I'd also say understand the job and what it entails, and then you'll have a better idea of whether this tool is something you really need. That said, I plan on making myself a bender tool at some point, mainly for more consistently square, perpendicular bends on ship railings. I'm sure they are very useful, but also seemingly way overpriced.
Just my $0.02.