For me and my needs, actually using the choil to choke up depends on blade size. However, regardless of blade size, it definitely makes sharpening easier.
On a large chopper, I’m not likely to choke up. I could take it or leave it.
On a mid-size blade, it does help create leverage by essentially changing where the “fulcrum” is, so to speak.
On a smaller EDC size blade I’m not a fan. Mostly because I cut a lot of shrink wrap at work and it always seems to bunch up and get caught in a choil, even an elf choil. It’s a little thing but it gets a little annoying throughout the day.
Just my experience. In the end, whether or not there’s a choil has never stopped me from buying a Busse (or any other knife).