I'm not interested in having to research this with my carrier any time I want to know some history. The data is in my phone (until I chose to delete it), it's just not conveniently sorted and accessed.
I'm looking to do this right on my phone at the point in time where another unknown number call has just come in (when did this number last call me, and how often?) It's a way of guarding against someone being stalker-ish, or reviewing how often someone has tried to reach me (or vice versa.) I could do it easily on my previous phone (an ancient flip phone!) Each number still in 'recents' had a single tap link to all connected history for the same number (completed in or out, and missed calls.) If a contact had multiple numbers, clicking the most recent call log history tag pulled up all the related calls in a list as far back as the recent file went (usually about 30-60 days worth.)
It seems as though Apple doesn't see the value in having the recent call data sorted and available by number, despite how easily it could be done with a bit of software. I've submitted the feedback. If there isn't anther easy way to do this, I guess I'll be considering Android phones further.