A center column is good for tight spaces and close subjects where controlled height matters, such as interiors, macro and studio. It's also less likely to be windy there. Outdoors, I'd only suggest a center column for the little travel tripods which aren't terribly stable anyway. In most other cases I prefer a tripod without center column for stability and rigidity.
If you buy a systematic type of tripod you can shoot both with or without the center column and not sacrifice performance.
I have 3 tripods, 2 with centerposts, that have no "wobble in them because they are properly designed and quality produced. the 3rd has no CP but has a leveling platform.
I've got a Systematic without a centerpost and a Mountaineer (both Gitzo) with a centerpost. I rarely miss the centerpost on the Systematic and I rarely use the one on my Mountaineer. Raising the centerpost noticeably reduces the mount's stability (EOS APS-H and FF bodies, variety of lenses to 400mm).
While the Mountaineer's centerpost can be reversed to bring the camera close to the ground, I don't find it very convenient because the camera then ends up between the tripod legs—in my case it's only good in a pinch. Dropping the Systematic to its lowest position works better for me, except that you've got to watch out for the legs when using ultra-wide angle lenses.
I guess that if I was going to buy a tripod with a centerpost, I'd want a geared centerpost mechanism rather than sliding. I had one once, and the gearing made it much easier to precisely position the centerpost and eliminated worries about the centerpost slipping from my gloved hands and crashing down with the camera during adjustments with my gloved hands.
Also, if I was buying a non-geared centerpost, I'd lean toward a leveling one, which provides generally-useful functionality even when the post isn't extended. It can be inconvenient to adjust camera height if the tripod lacks a centerpost.
In the end, part of this is your preference, part is what you get used to.
The best answer will probably be driven by what your photographic needs/wants dictate, and how much money you want to spend.
I own both a 3542LS and a G1410 (heavy). The 3542 is light and small enough to allow me travel and walk/hike longer distances with it, while the G1410 is great when I need rock solid stability and don't have to carry it far; and/or want to shoot things like macros, food shots, and so forth at a steeper angle or from above (e.g., over a table), where a ball head simply won't do the trick on its own--using it in combination with a G541 and a rapid center column.
I do agree that using a center column strictly to gain height should be done so cautiously, as it can and often does add stability-countering vibration to the mix. A leveling head can also be very useful depending on what you're shooting (e.g, single or multi-row panoramas, real estate, etc.).
I would go with a center column for the versatility of it unless you're planning on primarily using a gimbal head with large, heavy superteles. I see a few folks claiming greater rigidity without the column, but honestly if the column is fully seated and tightly locked down I'm not buying that there is any superiority in not having the column. Of course, quality of the item in question is going to be a factor so if looking to save money on a tripod perhaps a columnless model might be a better, more stable alternative
I prefer a center column as I can raise it a couple of inches and have better access to the ball head which helps when shooting panos with a nodal slide. I also like the hook on the bottom from which I hang a sand bag or a shoulder bag is I am using one which helps stabilize the tripod.
For macro and ground level photography something like the Benbo tripods are more versatile than any column-less tripod with greater flexibility and not having to try to get the legs to lie flat on the ground.
Go for one with a removeable centre column. If you are sitting in a confined space, removing the column gives you room to position one of your knees under the tripod.
I have the Feisol 3442. I would not even consider adding a center column. It keeps weight down, the tripod is plenty tall (I'm 5'10), it's more stable, and it can go lower. I'd hold off on the center column and you can always purchase it later if you really need the extra reach.
For years I used tripods with center columns. Then I bought a Gitzo that didn't have one. That was a dozen years ago and really, I don't miss the column.
you can reverse the center post to quickly give you a camera with the body sitting right on the ground - spread legs get you close, but not all the way down
