Well Lewis, I can only answer one of your questions.  Yes, you'll have to get a higher front blade to go with the 1902 sight, as you can see in Poyer.  It's not so much to maintain accuracy, but to adjust the point of impact.  I'm assuming were talking about a standard front sight, not a commercial add on.  The 1902 sight, in combination with the 1896 height blade will have you shooting very high.