As far as eliminating ghost bones, what you suggested will only work if the ghost bones added have the same origin and rotation.

Normally ghost bones have different rotations, and sometimes vastly different origins, so you can do non linear bending. Throw transform maps into the mix, and you definitely want different rotations on the joints.

Think of it this way. A standard joint has 3 axis's. Like a gyroscope.

Add one ghost bone and now you have a 6 axis's.

Add 2 ghost bones, and you have 9. But only if you plan out the root rotations right.

The offsets you put on the origins, give you the ability to have non linear bending.

And very few people use them this way....

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