I think that it doesn't matter what my opinion is on dummies, it's going to be what works for you and your child that ultimately you're bothered about.

I've used a dummy, though DS doesn't really like them past the initial "I need to suck something" bit. He likes his bunny more: he chews on bunny ears.

I think dummies are quite ugly and HATE seeing them. Still do. But I still used them because DS needed one on occasion. I'm not about to have DS screaming that his tummy hurts and he needs to suck and NOT use a dummy.