I prefer to think of imperial measures as just a breed, not dying yet needing no improvement. Like the primeval fern, they exist as a perfectly thriving plant, providing the beneficial oxygen and CO2 exchange as perfectly any later-developed plant. Yet they are an archaic life form in relationship to the rest. They exist, like imperial measures, as they were developed and adapted to change by evolution: not concocted by delusionary 18th century Frenchmen.
Truth be told, I find it hard to sustain prickly dialogue two days in a row. In a note of social observation of a more serious measure, one great reason that the old mile, inch, pound, etc., persist in the US and other areas where His and Her Majesty's troops once trooped, is a testament to the British educational system. And the devotion to education of our Yankee and Southern founding fathers in particular. In great contrast to most of the world, especially Europe, basic education and citizen-controlled commerce were ingrained in every US community almost from the beginning (first public school: 1635). Familiarity with imperial measure was common to every town, even rural (not denying the Jethro Bodine concept, of course). In many other places, including many nations/kingdoms in Europe, that social institution was non existent or rare until the 20th century. Most Americans have been exposed to metric, and on a scientific/bio-med/engineering level it is the norm. Yet for daily life - weather, carpentry, farming, travel - imperial rules as it should.
To know imperial - for generations - is to love it.
I believe Werner would have had an easier time using versts, but I don't think the Ruskies were having a problem using metric.
And all us WWII fans know that the Führer had an intense interest in the design of the uniforms, being heavily influenced by his love of a WWI surplus coat he wore...of...the...BRITISH Army! Designed in inches!
And now you know...the rest of the story.
