On my last project, the client thought they wanted less communication. We skipped two check-ins, and a small misunderstanding turned into a full week of rework. I see check-ins as a five minute fix to avoid a five day problem. They keep everyone on the same page without being a burden. My best work happens when there's a steady, simple rhythm of updates.
Depends on the client.
Works great until it doesn't. Letting your work speak is fine, but some clients just stop talking. Then a small guess goes real wrong real fast. I keep a light check in just to hear "yep, still good." It stops a lot of headaches without making more work.