I've noticed in several threads that people give solutions that use "+ 0" to make string of numbers be forced to a number. Why is that better than using the VALUE function? If I use the function, then I know for certain it will make it a number instead of text. Further, by using a function, I make it obvious to future users what is being done whereas "+ 0" is more likely to be seen as unnecessary and therefore be edited out.

Thanks for any insight.