Is Xanthan Gum Important?

I am looking for a new bread recipe that is less crumbly and more airy. I am going to try several recipes and see if I can find a good one. Sunday I started a recipe and soon realized I was out of xanthan gum. While most people don't even know what it is, it is in almost all gluten free cooking. I thought about calling a friend to borrow some, but then decided to just see how important xanthan gum really is. Well, you can see for yourself.

At least the girls still liked eating it.