I actually do maximize the browser quite often when just browsing, i.e. not using the web while working on other things. My main screen is a 27" at 2560x1440, and I like how a maximized window allows for less distractions and more horizontal tab space.

Unless the page doesn't have a max-width of course, which usually forces me to resize the window; for HN I created a restyling Greasemonkey script though.