Way back when, when I took a basic riders course, I learned that I could stop in a shorter distance without ABS. I was riding a BMW with ABS (could be deactivated via a switch) and my instructor, who also owned a BMW, taught me that with proper braking technique a rider could brake more efficiently and without locking up a tire.
I'll admit, having ABS was nice but mostly in those "Oh Shi*" moments where my then-novice abilities would have otherwise locked up a tire and sent me out of control.
Let's put it this way, if I ever convince my wife to ride, we'll be getting her a bike with ABS. I think that statement alone best illustrates my point.