Would I have been better off not knowing?

well, you're better off knowing NOW... for sure!! Imagine getting 80% of the way through and thinking you got it only to find more holes and rust etc.. it's hard to tell what you're up against with just a couple of pics on the internet. Get a FSM (or similar technical book) and start measuring - there is only one sure fire way to know if the car is within proper tolerances. The underside aesthetics are on you - kinda depends on what you're doing with the car.. driver or show car?