In answer to another question recently I said that estimates were a good starting point for further research. However, if someone has already done that research, and has come up with a more accurate birth year some twenty or so years before your estimate, they are not going to show as matches, and you may never benefit from that research.
However, I do use them. One family I only knew the names from an uncle's will. With estimates for their age I found first one, then another, etc.
It is when they are presented as facts that the problem arises, copied by others who circulate it around even further. This has been part of the problem with member submitted IGI records, which nevertheless do have their uses.
As with any information/name/date/place don't take it at face value - do further research of your own. What is written here or anywhere else needs to be checked if you want to add it to your personal tree. Even with what appear to be 'good' sources, it has to be checked carefully.
(I know I am preaching to the converted here, Jillaine, by 'you', I mean me/you and everybody).
I agree that a blank field makes any useful interpretation difficult.
Margaret
