MSP430FR2355: Read TimerB counter value (TBxR )

For my application, I need to be able to read the TimerB counter value at random times, then schedule a timer compare time event 50uS from "now", where "now" is the present timer counter value.

However, in the UG, I see this note.

I've read this note many times, scratching my head in disbelief since I have never come across a note like this for the timers of any other micros.

Is this note for real ?  Is this behavior typical for MSP430 microcontrollers ?

Do I really need to STOP the timer to be able to get an accurate read ?  What if other critical timing events are on-going with this timer ? I can't just stop the timer so I can get a reading.

Isn't there a capture or sync mechanism associated with the timer circuits so that the micro can get a valid reading on the fly ?  How does an external timer capture event work then ?

There are a lot of questions - I know. But this is un-imaginable to me. Someone could expect that the timer value may be of by a tick, depending on the relative speeds of the micro and the timer, but this is different than "unpredictable". 

Thanks.