PA Mantis:
Your questions are all very good and new students should consider them when looking for literature on their style. All I can draw from is my personal impression on this issue - I'm passing 3.5 years in my style and have noticed my perspective on MA literature has changed along with my understanding.
When I began martial arts, I read almost everything I could get my hands on - not just PM but every MA out there, CMA, JMA, whatever. And I was full of questions for my instructor, who very patiently said, it's OK to read all you can, but it's more important to practice your art and learn from that.
Comparing myself now to the rank beginner I was (I'm still a beginner in most ways, though), I find that I read less than I practice (good). However, I still find value in much of what I read, perhaps more so with a bit of practical foundation. Not all of it can be applied to my art, but it is good comparative reading. I certainly wouldn't come rushing into class saying "hey, we should do it like it says in this magazine," and neither would most MA students. But it's all food for thought.
There is a great streak of violence in every human being. If it is not channeled and understood, it will break out in war or in madness. ~Sam Peckinpah