Torque plates

He said if you are building a race engine or rebuilding a certain block (like the FE Ford) you should hone with one. If honing at operating temp works for you then go for it. Like he said, If you are freshening up your wife's Yukon LS it's probably not necessary. Pay the extra and have it done if you choose.
If You've ever pulled the head off of an AMC 6 including an HO 4.0L, the crosshatch is gone adjacent to the 1/2" head bolts, like a 5/8"-3/4" swath. Like He said, some get it all the time because they're prone. This is when folks don't get why a BRM 'dingleberry' hone works better needs pointing out, the engine torque plate honed itself while running & stress relieving itself, if bore taper etc. is in spec. the BRM won't undo it.