I think importance of straddling bets in poker depends on the style of game being played and the preferences of the players involved. In some games, such as those with high stakes or aggressive players, straddling bets can be an integral part of the gameplay. In other games, players may choose to avoid straddling bets altogether in order to maintain a more conservative approach. Ultimately, whether straddling bets are important or not depends on the individual situation and the objectives of the players