As far as I'm concerned, I'd build the models with the right mast height, and give the rec manual number EXACTLY what was in the real USN ONI 41-42 manual. If ONI was off by 10m in height, then you get to be SOL and constantly miss.
Shooting is too easy by half at least, IMO.
Heck, I'd be all for an external app that would randomize all the mast heights in the manual within some range before every career for merchies.
For example, if you were a REAL Fleet Type skipper, based on ONI, you'd enter the mast height for Mutsuki at ~67 feet. Shokaku would be pretty close, it looks to be ~96-97 feet (the height is not listed, you have to guess based on a drawing).
tater