I think I recall that debate … if I remember right, it was one person arguing against using a VPN, and their reasoning was that if the government really wants your suicidal ass, they will get you, VPN be damned.
Doubtless true, but most of this site's users are low-value targets. What would be anyone's motivation for going all Inspector Javert on your typical suicidal loser? If you make it very easy for law enforcement to find you, then yeah, it's possible you might be harassed in some way. But if it's a bit of a pain in the ass, they'll likely set your account aside until such a time as it becomes worthwhile to them to put in the required effort.
A VPN is not a cloak of invisibility, but it probably counts as closing your blinds, so LE can't just stand on the street and look straight into your house to see what you're doing. I don't currently have a VPN because I can't afford one, but I'd have one if I could. (Whaaat?? Despairing disabled people unable to work and make a living? It's almost as if we have reasons to want to ctb …)