There is no doubt that the Family History Library in Salt Lake City has a wealth of material–much of it on microfilm and more becoming available online daily. However there are locations where the Library was unable to do much filming. Even in locations where records have been filmed, other records were left unfilmed.
Never assume the library has everything for a location. Always check the actual record keeping agencies in the location for additional information.
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I know in Kansas the state historical society worked with them to get permission to film. It really depended on the judges and clerks in power at the time. Some would not allow any filming and others would only allow certain records. It’s just impossible to do all your research from home. I’m torn between a trip to Salt Lake City or a road trip to several counties at this time. Salt Lake I could research more than one family however to the counties I’m more likely to get everything available on that one family. I may not be able to afford another trip as I will be retiring and money will be tight. Decisions, decisions.
Access in person also depends on the people in charge. In the 1970s one county would not allow full access to probates. The clerk pulled the record and then asked me what I wanted to know. She wouldn’t let me look at the papers. I told her to forget it, as I didn’t know what I wanted until I knew what was there, and went back several years later and got full access.