The following is from "On Playing the Harp" by Yolanda Kondonassis, 2nd Edition.

• Raising helps sustain the sound of the strings and aids in projection.
• Raising helps maintain a state of relaxation.
• Appropriately coordinated raising enhances the character, mood, and style of the music--consider the idea that "raising is phrasing."
• Raising in rhythm helps one play in rhythm.
• Raising from the strings in a graceful manner is more aesthetically pleasing than staying tense and close to the strings.
• Raising greatly decreases buzzing and surface noise caused by premature replacement of fingers on the strings.