They are sometimes useless in and around anywhere. Other times, they are useful, including in and around Pattaya. No one has claimed that yellow books/pink cards are necessary (usual straw man argument here), merely convenient sometimes. Like many others, I find the conveniences outweigh the initial minor inconvenience of acquisition.
Chonburi DLT accepted mine 3 years ago. They will try to discourage you, so persistence was key. Showing copy of chanote is good corroboration.
Laughable, as Immigration will use the yellow book to issue a COR.
A call may get a canned response. I went there prepared. 'Course, there is a chance you may waste a trip. Oh well.