If your concern is just having access to your emails if someday shit hits the fan and you’re locked out, why no smtp ? Seems easier.
The real reason I'm still using POP3 is that I'm using the mailboxes that are bundled with my domains. One on the registrars announced IMAP support a few days ago. All the others are still on POP3 probably because POP3 servers have been available since forever.