Yeah, a nice summary.
I have to admit that the archives of person is really a non-necessary for the benefit of the person but a necessary archive of our pravacies from the day we were born  which can be open to the governors and others. 
I have to admit this is the characteristic of China compare with other countries, like Singapore, and ther west countries. I don't mean to say other countries are better, though it really is, what I want to convey is nowadays, archives of us becomes the tool to restrict our pursuiting of freedom from the perspective of finding a work freely.
If you angered the administrator of your archives, then he/she will not help you transfer your archives, then you can't complete the continous steps to have your new job. 
Beyond this, some persons say this will be directly affect your welfare after you retire, till now I have not found one law or regulation rules which clearly stated this welfare is related closely with your archives. I can't figure out if there is no law or rules to follow, how could the operator of the welfare administration can randomly ask the person who already paid the insurance timely. 
This morning, I called 12333 but nobody has clearly stated that this is legal that when approve the release of the old-age pension request you providing the complete your archives. 
Quite wired, too many things in China. !!!!!