Does the leader really need to bring jugs?

On my solos, yes, I do carry them.

This summer I was descending down solo and had to descend an overhanging pitch. I decided to rap without the bags, tie the rope to the lower anchor, then jug back up to get the bags.

I forgot the jugs when I rapped.

I had to prusik on a couple of slings. Not so easy, but not the end of the world either. I wouldn't want to do it every day, but it was fine as a once every few years kind of way.