(Disclaimer - yes, I am hoarding ATM.)
I realized something last night. I was looking at buying some electronics at newegg, so I was pricing those out. Then I realized I could get the same thing and, comparing prices, for virtually the same dollar value equivalent from bitcoinstore.com. But, I didn't want to part with my precious bitcoins!
So, instead, I took the money earmarked for the purchase and converted it to bitcoin. I am still evaluating which model of item I want, so in the meantime my value of those BTC has gone up in $. However, I know I will purchase within a day or two.
In the end, I bought more BTC, contributed to the economy and supported a BTC-only merchant. And worst case, I spent the money I was going to spend anyways.
If you are not holding the spending coins for any period of time, the fluctuations in price aren't that big a deal. However, using them strengthens the economy, and in the current climate, I wind up saving a few $$ in the end. Good for everyone!