Hi Mark,
You are right and yes, well communicated principles will make further 'specification' unnecessary. Architects address the behavioural aspects (wanted, predicted behaviour). Since the value-chain of behaviour is: Principles --> Insights --> Rules --> Behaviour, wll-defined principles will function as a guide throughout the chain or, as you said, "... enable the demands and requirements of the stakeholders" without further specification. The architectural / infrastructural principle "drive at the right hand side of the road" and its powerfull impact down the value chain without further specifications may function as an acceptable 'proof' of the correctness of your experience.