To be honest, I tried to use TOR without the bundle and couldn't figure out how to make it work. The software appears only be available as the bundle to a cursory look.
I use Tor, but I don't use the Tor Browser Bundle... It's simple enough to configure my browser to use Tor without relying on yet another executable to do it for me.
I agree generally, it is an inferior approach for the user, but it is more approachable. Also, I would say it depends on the implementation. Even if there is no solution to that, surely it's better to have the capability than to not have it.
For many people, this could simply be the beginning of the funnel, a gentle introduction to Tor, which could be accompanied by a message instructing them how to download and use the Tor Browser Bundle. I doubt that will happen any time soon because of the existing business models, but it would be a major step if it did.
I think running any addons or plugins within Tor Browser is a bad idea. Even if it's from a "respected" source, the risk of it somehow becoming compromised is not worth it. IIRC the bundle even advises you that addons may be risky. Considering that the purpose of Tor is to remain anonymous, one should keep in mind that any addon could de-anonymize you.
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