Keith wrote:
"I agree completely when the volts and amps are the measurable resultant
voolts and amps."

There is a big problem with resultant volts and amps. It is the
resultant variation in amplitude which is position dependent.

The only average variation in forward and reflected powers is a decline
with distance caused by line loss. Power flows at a constant average
rate into, through, and out of a transmission line. Line loss causes
decline in power along a lossy line.

The convenient way to get useful numbers is to separate energy by its
direction of travel and to measure these. A directional coupler is
needed and the Bird among others does this.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI