A good idea or concept is worth some extra time to render. I have a lot of patience waiting for renders as I don´t have much time to use the computer anyway. So it can run renders for days if necessary. You learn offcause to be careful with using glass and water. Wich is a pity as you get nice images with those kind of mats.
I think the HDRI-option is great for achieving realism and i wished there was more HDRI:s out there to get for free or at a low cost.

Good spelling is overaytead