Using a broadfork seems to be all the rage today. Does it really do all that much good?

That depends upon how big and strong you are and what your soil is like. I can guarantee you are not going to lift and roll turf with a broadfork (well, maybe, but it would be a lot of work). Nor are you going to till your vegetable garden. Actually, I think all those gardens started with tilled soil. I tried one. I (eventually) got it into the ground, then hung up in space looking silly.

Maybe others have had better experiences...

Mine is indispensable for digging irises. I wouldn't be without it. I've used it for other things, too, such as loosening and turning soil.

I use a regular (4 tines) garden fork, not a broadfork, for many tasks. $20 to $40 range. Good size for flower bed work, also use it turning soil for vegetables, or getting compost turned in.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004T34A9G/