It is helpful to be able to assess the wind vector well in advance of venturing into the vicinity of a runway where there maybe a windsock in sight. I challenge you to find a windsock near the threshold of a major airfield. there is one somewhere, but try finding it visually as you wrestle your guided ping-pong ball down finals. Before you set out you can decode the METAR/TAF and when approaching the airfield the tower will give you the recorded wind. You need to be able to decide quickly if you are going to continue. If it is close to limits, and you do continue, you need confirmation on short finals to be 'comfortable'. What is wrong with expecting pilots to do some mental gymnastics? It should be par for the course.