Mitsubishi makes the smallest quietest AC units I've seen, and I've seen a lot. Thier effiency and reliability was there too. A dehumidifier is a special cooling unit, closer to an ice machine than normal ac where ice over is bad because it hinders airflow. Dehumidifiers mostly run a tad cooler, collect moisture via condesation then reverses high and low pressure sides between the two heat exchangers in a short melting and collection cycle.
There isn't always a "need" to force air, but it can yeild a better constant in comfort thru increased air circulation and possibly SAVE money by lowering compressor or heat source uses. E.g., my bother dropped his overall utility costs for 2 floors& basement by running his HVAC fan on low 24/7 and adding a stairwell ceiling fan, also on low 24/7. The thermostat still activates heat or cool.
The object's in an area (including walls floor etc) each have an ideal temp based on their construction, they retain heat and shed it as well. Air to object, Btu needed to begin a change from ideal in an objects temps has a mean curve too; so it is usually most effectient to hold a consistent temp.(and moisture content if porous) More air circulation would promote a consistent. But it is a fine balance, the 24/7 fan here does no good in my basemented ranch. Same year builds 57&58. He has more sq.ft. I have more square ft of basement, both finished. I also had an N.C. Aunt that had "holes in the floor", beautifully grated 2'x2' holes of an Inn, 3 floors in a hillside. It flowed well enough for a century without a fan on wood, coal, oil then gas. But again a single ceiling fan (stairwell) helped costs overall and dried the cellar.
As metioned, system design, regional, and even building specific results vary but you can't find out without trying either 
CW your home experience to date can't be denied, but I'm betting Bob did some HVAC work, research, or had a good long talk with a local pro
I rarely run air conditioning and the basement is too large for an effective drying without fans raging . Too much fresh air condensates on the thick concrete walls too easily. I've had track be down there for 50 years without rusting, only to have pieces rust away in the sunlight upon moving to a shelf.
As mentioned posts back the temp. difference of sun lit air is more of an enemy to me as that is the final straw in the fight against condensation; the killer.
I e , temperature differential between object and air is the most crucial factor, humidity % be d***ed if you stop condensation the major battle is won.
