I guess one reason that I found it to be a really good book is that it has a logical discussion of the differences between individual ships. The other books seem to show a "hodge podge" of different looking Fletchers with little explanation, other than the round vs square bridge discussion. Further, I did not know the reason for the change to the 'square bridge' was for faster production and inspiration from the British Navy to have an "open bridge" forward of the pilothouse. When "Fletchers in Action" addresses the increase in 40MM guns, they are not really talking about the emergency AA refit, as installed on the USS Kidd, but the increase of 40MM on the original Fletchers, which had 20MM guns in the forward gun tubs, where 40 MM guns were later installed.
In all fairness, the Fletchers in Action book was written many years ago, and the internet has really increased the availability of data and sources of photographs. And I do not have the Alan Raven book.
Prior to really getting into this and the Fletcher forums here and on The Ship Model Forum Website, I knew about "round bridge" vs. "square bridge" Fletchers, but little else. My curiosity was really aroused when I bought the book on the USS Kidd, which is shown in the last profile you posted, and it was missing the forward torpedo mount like the one on the Blue Devil kit. There is a small profile in the Kidd book, showing her in an earlier configuration with a Measure 32 pattern camouflage, but I have found few photos to confirm the exact scheme she wore in her earlier days.
I have ordered the two destroyer books by Dave McComb, who is a major contributor to
www.Destroyerhistory.org and offers the plans CD for the Fletcher class ships. The CD includes the major variants. David is extremely knowledgeable, and his history of the USS Van Valkenburgh (DD656), as well as her splinter camouflage, inspired me to build her from my Lindbergh kit. Although I am still in the "research phase," I will be cutting plastic very soon. Just picked up a couple new razor saw blades to deal with those pesky bulwarks where canvas covered rails belong. I think I have a sprue cutter tucked away somewhere, which should also help.
PeeJay