[Nrsolis]

You are correct about the SWR only measuring the matching of your output to the antenna. But consider this: a signal with lots of harmonics (read: outside of your band intended RF signals) is going to make a 1:1 SWR match harder to achieve. If you've cut your antenna to the right length and you're not getting close to the match you need, something is wrong. It's a rough measurement to be sure, but decent in a pinch.

That said, you should always use a dummy load when working with a new transmitter project. SA is always a good idea, but I've been in a lot of shacks that didn't have one.

Of course, this guy used a FM radio to check his signal. He should have used a scanner and checked out the multiples of his center freq.