Yes, the refractometer certainly isn't necessary. I mostly find it convenient during sparging, where the gravity changes with time so quick measurements give more up to date results. But it doesn't matter with batch sparging, and I've more or less returned to hydrometers for dark beers, partly because (aside from any accuracy) my refractometer gets harder to read.
I might find more benefit when small batches are begun. The FV won't be deep enough for a hydrometer and I don't like returning samples to the FV. But use at that stage would mean correcting also for alcohol, so another aspect to deal with.
Currrently I only use hydrometers after fermentation begins, though it should be remembered that these need correcting for alcohol too. It is simply built into the 'apparent' attenuation our ABV formulas employ, so we tend not to do it as a separate step.
Sometimes it is worthwhile to repeat things. Not everyone will search before posting or even know/remember that there is anything to consider. Especially with a memory like mine