That's true the info is not accessible until about half-way through the game--I just don't think the info is even that important until KH2 explains it. (I've played RE: Chain of Memories too, I still hate it. Watching yours and your opponents cards and utilizing on the fly sorting and addition can't be helped imo)

The only important parts I recall (all about explaining the setup of the Organization and the aftermath of Riku's choices) are explained in Jiminy's journal in KH2 as the player unlocks scenes in Radiant Garden. Back when KH2 was announced, EGM sources said that KH Chain of Memories was not required to follow KH2. Whether EGM was correct or not, I would agree that Chain of Memories is helpful... but not an important prerequisite to KH2, since there is not much if any new info that is not explained in KH2.