It is worth it if you get a hybrid cooler shroud to put on it.
The high end reference GPU's with blower style fans aren't that great with thermals, and thermal throttle quite often.
You can get the Hybrid Cooler for about $98.88.
As for the price you're paying and the cost?
It's worth it, based on the standard price of the Founders Edition Cards.
But the performance is going to be inferior to non-reference GPUs that cost less than that.
The Founders Edition Cards are only good if you are pre-ordering and want a GPU as soon as it hits the open market.
But you are honestly better off getting a GTX 1080 with a non-reference shroud, as they are similar in price and have superior cooling.
If you want a 1080, give this one a try, friend.