pros & cons of using custom rom

Hi guys,

Just wanting to hear your opinion.

I have the SGS3 and love it, but i'm kinda feeling like there is a load of samsung bloatware, tthat cannot be uninstalled...thinking the answer must be a root and a custom rom - but will the battery be better, same or worse? (in general...) and the camera - same question...:)
And in general what is the experiences from you guys regarding, switching from stock samsung to custom? anything to be aware of - saw something about a 'flash counter' when rooting?

brgds

Chris