Agreed Frank S; threads present challenges that can be overcome. I don't mind spinning up a fresh plug gauge, marking and storing it logically. Then, a bit of anti-rust and they won't stale....ever.
I can't imagine working environment where those practices aren't utilized; catalogs get whipped out, awaiting arrival of lab grade gauge. Granted there are specifications/ tolerances that is necessary. In normal conditions, guys wonder why they can't manipulate thread wires anymore, interpolate unmatched pitches, shave minor diameter corrections....