Thanks your posting! I am taking the exam next week. One of the only references that I have not been able to find digital copy of is the ASCE 37-14. Did you find the key word search faster, or looking at the table of contents and going to the section you are looking for before using the search feature?
I took the EET depth course and had essentially the same approach as you. EET did a good job referencing the new manual, instead of the CERM. I am sure PPI is still referencing the CERM because it is their own publication and they stand to make money off the sales.
I will never understand why this critical information is being monetized so heavily, I think we would all be better of if this information was freely available, not kept in expensive and inaccessible silos. I am happy that NCEES has compiled the reference handbook, and I hope they continue expand the manuals and reduce the amount of required references so engineers can better themselves.