Hi Andrew,
If you are looking at a SIP CoE guide, then yes, there could be many things that can go wrong.
Not that they often do, but they can.
The reasoning is behind the process. These configuration guides are based on a specific test procedure that in some cases is included in the guide as to what features were tested and the outcomes.
It is also a one-time event so don't count on updated options for newer releases with newer options.
On top of all that, it is nothing more than a configuration GUIDE that is not always implemented by the other end the same way.
In some sense not much different from PRI, except the number of options and the 'flexibility' of them.
The only suggestion I have is to send that guide to the carrier beforehand, so they have no excuse not implementing it.
Have fun,
John