Good question, not an easy answer. You'll get opinions all over the map from people. When you say protect electronics from a "nearby strike", that is too nebulous. In other words, a strike to the ground in your back yard might not damage anything, but a strike to a pole transformer far away could still kill some appliances. Let's put it this way, having one is certainly better than not having one. It can save you from damage due to the most common transient surges.
I'd spend a little more money and get a good quality unit that can handle larger surges, assuming your electrician says you can wire one into the panel.
edit: to add that it isn't going to negatively impact anything in your home UNLESS you consider that a very few of the older line communication devices could no longer work. I am talking about possibly some X10 lighting control devices (old technolgy), or some of the older "Line communication" internet devices. Insteon and other similar controllers won't be affected.
Good points. One other thing about the panel based surge protectors is they have a better place to sink current to.
Like you said, you have little to lose. I had two homes with them and I've never had any damage at all in 15+ years they have been installed. Also less clutter with the strip based ones.
I also think switching to FIOS helps minimize electrical hits. Not so much a power surge but zapping equiment through cable is a problem. Cable also caused all sorts of ground loop issues.