Agreed, I use a transparent OD like an Xotic AC/ EP or Klone for the similar effect/buffer matching effect.
but I would caution some interested that putting a clean buffer/ transparent OD etc at the front of your chain can add detail and clarity that isn't always preferred for some music styles or who like to sit in the mix more -it will also expose a player for his sloppiness -:lmao: There's no hiding if you buffer and clean boost first.
Also, depending on the buffer and pick ups in the guitar -it can really change the way your sounds and playing interact.
Buffers are great and can be mega-useful! The go-to pedal when I am reamping guitars is the Bogner Uberschall; I often set it as a unity gain pass-through, but I love the end results I get when using it as part of the gain stack.
It can add un-wanted noise with other boost pedals if you turn the buffer up too much.
The change in impedance allows me to turn down the levels on my ovrdrive pedals but still get plenty of Umph ...