I'm not sure I'd say that I 'glorify' it, but Dolby Surround, DTS, etc. have a discreet (dedicated) channel output for the center channel. That's normally where the dialog is. If you're playing back movies in stereo, then no, you don't need a center channel. If you're using the mentioned surround modes without a center channel then your dialog disappears.
For the record, when listening to music I don't like the center channel to be used. I know some people say it 'anchors' the center of the music, but to me it robs some of the imaging. YMMV.
Most receivers support virtual center.
I have a 12.2 system in a custom theater. Rears, side, front-side, l/r, and 4 overhead, and 2 subs. Just no center. A good receiver just sends half the center to the left and half to the right, and you are done.
By all means, get a center of preferred, but it is worth trying without and you may be surprised