I'm starting to think the use of turning plates might actually be necessary depending on the surface the tire is sitting on and the size of the tire.
Years ago I aligned my Duster using these methods - front bolt out, rear bolt in, adjust the rear bolt to get a reasonable camber, then a tape measure to adjust toe. Car drove great for years, never did see an alignment shop. This was with a 14" ralley wheel and tire in the dirt.
But recently I have been chasing my tail on this thing. I have 17x8 wheels with 245/45R17's on it and am now in a shop with a concrete floor. I think my issue is that things are just too stiff to accurately see the change when I adjust my toe. Pretty sure some turning plates to reduce the resistance are the key (for me).
I had planned to pick up some mason boards and put some grease or something between them. But I like the idea of trying some wax paper first.
