I can speak for Southern Nevada and the DC area (I don't officiate at all in Mississippi during the off season - not by choice). Rec ball is officiated by everyone in those two areas and I got something out of doing it. My friends do it, regardless of their level, and it does help. The thing (for me) about rec ball is something has to give. I'm crazy enough that I refused for that something to be me and I gained from the experience. If Rut is saying people in his area don't do it, then that works for them. If someone lived in one of the areas I mentioned and didn't do something during the off season, they would eventually fall behind. I've reffed from 3rd grade to an over 50 league and would do it right now. Well, maybe not the little kids anymore.
YMMV