"I’ve no idea what the source of this belief could be, but it is quite possibly one of the most ridiculous thought processes ever shared by a large group of people in history."
I appreciate the article and totally agree with your emphasis on trial and error, but I found this sentiment strange. In addition to "the more famous training programs and their progenitors" which I assume refers to Starting Strength and 5/3/1 there are numerous sources for the notion that focusing primarily, if not exclusively, on the big lifts is a valid method of lifting.
For instance, Martin Berkhan seems popular. I imagine Jamie would say Berkhan is not a former record holder, is a weakling etc. etc. Again not saying he's right or anything like that, just saying this is a source. Maybe Jamie's responding to the dogma of this kind of article.
http://www.leangains.com/2009/01/minimalist.html
Stan Efferding, who is a member of teh Baddest MFs alive if I'm not mistaken seems to be on the same page: http://npcnewsonline.com/powerbuilding-you-dont-grow-in-the-gym/63930/
Dan Green, renown for his physique and multiple records seems to recommend a minimalist setup for beginners at least as to exercise selection. He might have changed his mind, and I think he personally programs a lot of assistance for his clients, but he has written:
"For true novices I like the explanations of technique given in Mark Rippetoe's book Starting Strength. As you gain experience with the techniques I think Wendler's 5/3/1 really has a lot to offer for an intermediate lifter.
If you want a bit more, you can't beat training under the watchful eye of an experienced lifter. Find a PL gym or club. I can't stress enough how many years I trained with bad form because I taught myself every step of the way! I was lucky to never sustain a career altering injury, but now as an experienced lifter I can't stress enough how much proper technique makes all the difference in my training.
My personal suggestion on form is to stick to a limited number of exercises and really get a lot of training time on them. I like high bar, low bar and front squats. Power cleans, hang cleans, military and push pressing, bench press, DB pressing, deadlifts, sumo deadlifts, rows, pullups and barbell curls and you can get huge for a long long time."
http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?39933-Questions-Answers-Partying-with-BOSS-Dan-Green
Purposeful Primitive, a book which Jamie frequently cites, highlights the routines of a number of "Iron Masters." This list includes several minimalist routines attributed to Hugh Cassidy and Mark Chaillet (sp?) and I believe one other but I can't remember right now without the book next to me. In the "Iron Methods" section Gallagher lays out routine recommendations and includes a two day a week beginner program which includes Squat, Bench, Deadlift and Sumo Deadlift. No assistance. Granted that book also includes numerous other programs with significant assistance. I'm just saying you can read that entire book cover to cover without being dispelled of the "utter, jaw dropping, jibberingly moronic mentality" that minimalist training is one of a number of potentially viable training methods.
Another member of Jamie's baddest list, Doug Hepburn trained with few assistance exercises: http://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2008/02/some-hepburn-things.html
Dinosaur Training, another of Jamie's, maybe former?, favorites seems to advocate a similar approach.
Maybe I misread the article and Jamie was railing against the notion that ONLY minimalist training is valid. Anyway, just found the "no idea" statement far fetched. Not trying to be a reddit troll. I own a few of Jamie's ebooks and they're awesome.