Why would it take you 1-2 GCDs to get into melee range of something? I mean, obviously this isn't going to be something you do in every single fight, but there is damage to be had when someone judges a situation where it is an extremely minimal sacrifice of time to get into and be able to stay in melee range.

Damage is damage, and if it is free for the taking, why wouldn't you take it? Like everything else in the game, you need to be able to judge when it is wise to do or not do any given thing, in terms of maintaining DPS. If you can do it, and it is not a sacrifice to do it, you should do it. I'm not advocating anything else. But, that was the OP's question.. if you can, should you? And the answer is yes.