Hi Robert,
Yes, I agree with you on all counts. Many of the tables and sections also contain lists of facts (or perceived facts) about contemporary economic and military information that might be hard to find elsewhere. I also like looking at sets like these old rules because they at least show what ideas military men of the time thought were important to simulate. Looking at the "modifiers" and multipliers for any calculation can show you what factors those guys thought important in a military situation.
- Ned