I would not live without balance, and I love remote balance via my chase Remote Line Controller RLC-1 which gives remote mute, volume, balance, and tone controls.
The better your system is at imaging, the better it reveals any imbalance: I occasionally find tracks, especially compilation discs with many engineers involved, benefit a LOT from a VERY SMALL balance tweak.
All center, all imaging is Phantom, all engineers equipment, hearing, specific day's performance is perfect or a bit less than perfect.
Your system, tubes, connections, move something, disturb something else, a slight imbalance can occur, easily resolved until you go thru and re-check everything.
Imperfect space, best compromise, yes indeed.