'final' variables

[Lionello Lunesu]

I've been trying to follow the thread on the const/final/invariant 
extensions but I have to wonder: how useful are final variables?

final int i = 2;

This would mean: 'i' cannot be rebound to another value. Right? So this 
final is actually C++'s const.

void func( final int i )
{
   //i is not const but cannot be set either
}

Also here, it's like C++'s const, but with the _removed_ benefit of 
restricting the accepted types. Is this correct?

What's the use of "final" for variables? I'm saying "for variables" 
because for methods the benefit is only too clear.

L.

PS. I've started a new thread because this isn't a reply to any 
particular post.