I got my yellow book/pink card here in Pattaya (Dark Side Nong Prue Municipality) with only two trips, one to find out what's needed and the 2nd visit to get the yellow book and pink card. I already had all the required official translations of what they asked for and brough 1 witness that lives near me. No hassles, no drama, no ridiculous hoop jumping.
SInce then I've used the items to renew my driver's license, open bank accounts, discounts at various attractions.
Are they a "must have" item? No, but it was simple enough for me to get and comes in useful from time to time.
As with many things in Thailand, "your mileage may vary".