Mon 30 Jan 2023, 16:59
As you've done an excellent job of answering your own question, I'll at least try to cover the bit on miniatures.
While the rules are "theatre of the mind", miniatures make a great prop and can be helpful in gameplay.
For example, miniatures can be used to signal which stance each PC is in, and then to clearly show which foe is engaged with each PC.
Further, battlemaps can spark creativity from players and the loremaster in terms of complications/advantages in combat and "other combat action":
Player: "Can I try to push one of the statues shown on the battlemap on to the troll?"
Loremaster: "Sure, please give me an Athletics check."