I get what you are saying. I mean compared to? Compasses haven't even existed "for a long time" in terms of the geological scales we're talking about measuring.
The time scale of the processes allegedly predicted compared to the time scale of human ability to measure it alone should make you question.
Unless I'm mistaken there aren't any solid ways to get a historical record with any precision. Ignoring interpretation which is a whole other landmine I don't want to step on, compare measuring gas concentration in old ice cores. We can get modern accuracy of historical data. No equivalent techniques for magnetic fields exists. The precision of the historical record is 0 pre compass and only ever as good as the tools and record keeping of the time. The pole could have been moving 4x as fast 200 years ago and no one would know.
