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I get the impression that often when some ancient thing or place is described as having a 'ceremonial' significance, that they really mean to say "we have no idea what it's for".

You are correct. But more than that, how about when they say "religious significance?" That also seems to explain away the "we have no idea what it's for." When "religious significance" is used, folks appear to be intimidated to disagree (or laugh).

But more than that, how about when they say "religious significance?"

I had that in mind when I wrote my post, but the lack of coffee in the house won over my properly enumerating the thought.

There was a really funny article somewhere, years ago, about archaelogists with that same catch-all mindset analyzing the remnants of our civilisation. They decided that toilets must have been altars of some kind, and the incantation "Santised for your protection" was evidence of some sort of especially significant rite. Wish I could find a copy of it. I think it was in the New Yorker in the 70s.