I wouldn't call anyone an idiot for not using a chronograph while reloading.
If a person sticks to standard cartridges and uses data from multiple books to confirm that the data is legit, there should be no problems. Brass inspection should be adequate.
If a person loads for a wildcat cartridge or a non SAAMI chamber (like 6.8 SPC Spec II), then it is fully necessary.
The more books used the better, so just buy them all.
