As you know em is a relative font measurement where one em is equal to the height of the letter \"M\" in the default font size. An advantage in using it is because you will be a
Although it seems like getting the default font size might be a good idea -- if it's to set the layout of your pages and such, it's probably a safer practice to just let the user handle that.
If they have their font size larger - it's because they're blind and vice versa. I'd recommend setting your defaults and 'recommending' a resolution/size. Unless your app depends on it -- let the user handle it.