Kernel upgrade question: apt-kpkg??

[Glen Snyder <snyderg@frontiernet.net>]

I've upgraded my kernel before, with the ususal procedures. I noticed in
Debian Planet
http://www.debianplanet.org/debianplanet/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=4

the suggestion that it is better after using "make menuconfig" or "make
config"  to make a kernel package from the kernel_image, using
"make-kpkg kernel_image", and then "dpkg -i" on the package that is
created.
I can see how this would be useful if I had a number of identical boxes.
The suggestion is that this is "safer and easier" even for users of
single Linux boxes.
Before I upgrade to 2.4.1, is there any merit to this? It seems like the
extra steps wouldn't be easier, especially if I have to make changes to
the kernel_image. Any idea how this  might be "safer" ?
Thanks,
Glen