Welcome aboard!
You make some great points.
I'm with you and your thinking and would reinforce what Broz, lilank, brentc and bigbuck are saying.
My ranging efforts under comfortable conditions and plenty of time normally results in a >100% error when ranging elk with the Mil reticle. I mil'd one at 600+ average over a 30 min period. Laser said 360! If I use one of those bright orange tubular floaties (kids use for swimming) cut to 36" I do better but not close enough plus I can't handle the mind calculations.
I have an Ipaq with Exbal on it but don't carry it much as battery life really sux. Plus in cold weather battery life gets even worse. I'm heavily considering an Ipod with the external ballistics program that is available.
I use JBM and run it for different angles and altitudes to get a 'feel' for the affects of each. I prove the drop chart by shooting to distances. Once the drop chart is proofed its printed and taped to the butt stock where its immediately handy.
As my learning curve continues I will probably move away from the drop chart being the primary tool to the electronics and clicking. For now I'm not quite ready.
The secret is to put the best computer in the universe to use or at least use it to adjust the calcs a bit.
For example: Buffalobob a few years ago made two shots on a nice bull elk at 996 yards. The shot had a bit of an up angle but not much. He ranged it and dialed the clicks. Then his noggin' said 2 more clicks. Two clicks he went. Result 2 shots a few inches apart, spot on at point of aim and brought the meat and antlers home.
Just for fun here's my drop chart for the 338 RUM, 300gr Berger Hybrid, 102 gr H-50 BMG, Fed 215 primers. MV @ 84*F @ 2760. ES around 12 FPS. The first part goes to 880 yards as 5 Mils is all the reticle has. Part 2 goes goes on out but shifts to clicks beyond 5 Mils, using the top of the post as the aiming point.
I've learned from confirming the chart to 1177 that I have plenty of clicks in the scope and am in the process of putting a 20 MOA down cant on the scope as the clicks are spot on accurate. Learned that also from confirming the drop chart.
When proofing the drops, shooting distances the other day, 560, 680, 1003 and 1177 the only first shot hit was at 1003. Elevation was spot on but as usual the wind did us in. As the rocks didn't move, the second shot was spot on except for 1177 where it took 3.
The drop chart was spot on for elevation due to Bergers updated BCs being on the mark.