"These why-pay-later-when-you-can-pay-now fans of Roth IRA's"

Here's why I'm a fan.

Because a theoretical 30-year old can have $5,000 in either type of account and let's have it double every 7 years on average:

5k at 30

10k at 37

20k at 44

40k at 51

80k at 58

160k at 65

320k at 72

And you would rather pay taxes on each RMD in full, but I would rather pay none and also have no RMD requirement. Remember, either account type, same investment type = same return. And of course I'd rather pay taxes on the $5k, because that taxed contribution is a pittance compared to the end result.

If you do it right.