naaa, u dont really need it. just some marketing thing to tell u their lens are better then others.

after sometime in macro u will eventually learn how to cope with all the macro issue u gonna face and how to shoot better marco, with or without the VC/IS/ABCDE.

I lazy to argue but here come the strong points...
i)In lens optic stabilizer gives you 'false perception' that you think you are not shaking but in fact you Are shaking. I rather have no IS, so in the ovf, I would know if I'm controlling my shake to the minimum.
ii) lens with optical stabilizer is know to have less IQ... Or maybe it's false...
iii) if your IS is working at minimum, say 1stop of compensation, u get min is lost... If u shake more and require compensate up to 3 stop, more IQ lost. What's the point?

iv) if I were to use flash for macro? With or without IS will make zero difference then.

The arguement come back to LPPL.

mind explaining more y for macro IS is not really needed? i wont be using tripod as it is way too troublesome.. flash helps?