Yes, your point is well made. There's little consistency in where such regulatory material is put in the AIP
The simplest way to stay legal is to know the ICAO standards ( or at least be able to refer to them) and then read GEN 1.7 of the relevant AIP before you go.
Since GEN 1.7 will cover all differences from ICAO requirements you will get the licensing, rules of the air, charts, met, operations, r/t, aerodrome standards and so on in one quick to find place.
Don't forget that when flying for example a G reg aircraft then, you have to follow UK rules when they are more restrictive than those in the area in which you are flying.
Regards,
DFC