Including the files within the filesystem is really all that matters.
Core-image-minimal is a "standard" filesystem image from Yocto/Openembedded. So this is what typical Yocto/OE users will start off with since they are familiar with it. However, I can understand the confusion and why new users will have issues.
Take a look at http://processors.wiki.ti.com/index.php/Sitara_Linux_SDK_Training "Getting Started with Openembedded". This training should cover some of the details that will help you get started and is specific to AM335x sdk OE configurations.