I never understood the benefit. There is none. Every drunk story usually ends with "I regret it" or "I'm never drinking like that again". Oh how fast people forget, and go back to being drunk the next time.
Once you hit the tipsy stage it's kind of fun though, but that is also a message to slow down before you actually get drunk. Depending on how much food I have in my stomac or how tired I am I start to get at that stage after about 3 full glasses of wine. I might have another glass that I'll drink more slowly, then drink water/pop for the rest of the night.
You also avoid hang overs that way. I always feel great the morning after a night of drinking because I know my limit.