Is there any real benefit to destroying major enemy headquarter units?

[ShermanFan]

I'm playing the Leyte invasion scenario in Philippines '44 when the opportunity to destroy one of, if not the, major Japanese headquarter unit(s). So, I correctly applied artillery, naval fire, and air support to successfully do just that. But when I read the headquarters section of the user manual I noted that it doesn't really talk about any impact on the opposing army. All it really covers is that it will take a certain number of turns for the Japanese to replace that HQ.

So, was it really worth the time, effort, and resources to specifically go after that unit?

[RickyB]

It reduces the chances of subordinates being in command, to some extent. That impact can vary through chance, but it doesn't mean the subordinates will be out of command. So it can vary, sometimes good to kill it off, other times it may not be worth it. A bit of guesswork, experience may help decide. Along with what other targets the resources could have hit.