I do work on the front line as a Load Controller, sign the triple A, Create a loading instruction, Load sheet etc.
If you create the loadsheet and create a loading instruction for the Ramp Guys, including deciding where you are locating the bags yourself then you are a Load Controller (because your controlling the load).
I only leave the aircraft go when i'm happy such as all official doccumentation in place etc, I can refuse a push if i am not happy and when it is my signature on the loadhseet as well as the captains/fo's (in some cases).
However you are correct that with a positioning a/c (if empty) doesn't need a loadsheet and a captain can create a manual.
I'm sure that any pax flight (with pax on board) other than GA (not sure on those), requires a copy of Loadsheet at departing airport regardless whether it is a manual loadsheet or a computerised.