Not arguing, but just want to throw in the rivet-counting can have its place. For example Shattered Sword, one of the examples he gives of a “campaign” history

Not arguing, but just want to throw in the rivet-counting can have its place. For example Shattered Sword, one of the examples he gives of a “campaign” history that has deeper value, uses a ton of technical detail to show the tactical options that were available to the Japanese fleet, and ultimately puncture a lot of myths about Midway. The important point in this case is that the rivet-counting has a purpose, it isn’t just for forum warriors to obsess over gun weights or which battleship was the most badass. Shattered Sword uses it to show that a lot of the popular account of the battle is factually impossible.