Using AOD seems to me to be like trying to do absolute photometry in that a) you know the value to set the AOD at and b) it is constant across the sky and not time dependent. I imagine a value of AOD can be estimated from a single reference star I am not clear how the potential variation across the sky and with time is managed unless a series of standard stars has been observed throughout the night.
Has any one tried this for a set of reference stars? It would be good to see some data to allow a judgement to be made.
I think it is accepted that, at least in the UK, photometric quality nights are few and far between.
Regards Andrew