Hey GG. I would have to respectfully disagree with that "screen accurate" statement though everything else you said was bang on. Having had the opportunity to see the LOTR movie exhibit several years ago I can tell you without the slightest doubt that "costume accurate" and "screen accurate" are not the same thing. I was shocked when looking at the actual costumes worn by Theoden, Eomer, etc... at how much more colourful they looked when compared to what we saw on the big screen.
I can't say the MO thing bothers me anymore, but I do wonder what SS was thinking 'cause the PF certainly doesn't match the rust-coloured fabric/cloth of the actual costuming :
It doesn't match the movie screencaps:
....and it doesn't even match their own prototype :
The only thing I can conclude is SS must have gotten a pretty sweet deal on someone's overstock of red pleather.....