I'm not sure anyone addressed some of the other advantages.

Beyond simply filtering the smoke, the bong can be filled with chilled or iced water which will significantly cool the smoke. This is what really makes you able to take deeper tokes.

Often your eyes can be bigger than your lungs. The smoke seems so cool and easy that you take in more than you can hold.

I also remember years back, a couple of knuckle'heads' would fill their bong with Jack Daniels. Not sure if I liked it, but it would cover the taste of nasty shwag.

Get yourself a good glass bong, fill it with ice & water, and get'r'done.