Lots of good insight on this thread. I agree with what seems to be the consensus, that singing helps your playing, playing helps your singing, and both help you to interact with other musicians -- which is a great social outlet, and also a great way to keep your music alive and growing. Time devoted to singing will help advance your playing skills, so I wouldn't worry that putting the time into learning to sing will somehow detract from your continued instrumental progress. I would view it as something that is likely to make you a more complete and well-rounded musician, in all respects.

Once you get the singing thing under your belt, you can get a harmonica in a neck rack, and a bass drum to play with your foot, and a kazoo, and you'll really be somthing. Then you can change your name to Bandjo Bonnie.