I wish you would reconsider not rope dropping. It really is one of the best things about DLR vs. WDW. You get so much accomplished before 11am if you rope drop. Fantasyland alone is heaven in those early hours. That's an area where LL does nothing for you regardless. I would say you don't need LL if you rope drop but you have to go in with a plan of what to ride before the masses come. There are times when we rope drop, even with LLs in our app, and we can not touch any of the LLs until 10-11am. We'll book something out like Indiana Jones because it fills quickly. We like to walk on most rides before 10am and then have the LLs for later when we want to re-ride something like Space Mountain or Big Thunder. The Disneyland Daily link is a great guide on how to do this exact strategy.
There are ways to get the LLs and not be on your phone the whole time. Again, make a plan and then only jump on the phone when you're in line or when you're stopping down for food or a bathroom break. The structure of DLR is such that you can go from ride to ride using LLs. California Adventure is even better for that. You will need your phone and the app for some things like mobile ordering which can save you time like scheduling a snack to be ready after your ride is done. We do that with beignets at the Mint Julep Bar. Cuts out waiting in line for the same thing. Or getting a Dole Whip before going into the Enchanted Tiki Room.
I see LLs as a way to enhance your trip especially if you don't get to DLR frequently. You can get a lot more done and have more time by using them. I definitely think over a busy holiday weekend that they are a must.
