Absolutely! The only reason I think they're there is because they replace the ponytails on the original character design, which were huge to begin with. It'S AWESOME DESIGN!
@Chris No that was a joke for another name for a gradient map. Since a gradient map really is to replace colors by value. This "gradient" map is about lightning information.
Well, if it's easier to get your texture with 3d models, projections and scattering why not do it that way? SD shouldn't be a replacement for your main software.