Formerly a registered gun owner, who let his license lapse and who won't have weapons in the house while there are children under the age of 18...
Silencers do affect the balance of the gun, which can be overcome by practice, and as El Barto said, it is an advantage for those that use their weapons often at ranges. I think it is subject to the specific circumstances as to the effect on accuracy: generally, a longer barrel will improve accuracy if the barrel is uniform; having the silencer attached after the fact introduces manufacturing error which probably leads to lesser accuracy. They affect distance (and therefore long range accuracy) by slowing down the bullet as it leaves the barrel (due to increased friction).
For me, who would only own for home protection (I am not a hunter) I would not purchase a silencer. If someone is in my house and I am taking a shot at them, I either want to hit them, or, if I miss, I want them stunned and petrified at the absolute deafening crescendo of my weapon, waiting for that next explosion.