Gordy...I wasn't disagreeing with what you said because when I wrote what I wrote...I hadn't seen what you said....
I know. You actually made a good point in that every aircraft is different, hence sometimes generalized numbers do not work.
What does work for "newer" pilots, is to read these boards and take away information of differing opinions and hopefully form their own. It is tough for them learning the basics, especially due to the way the system works---new CFI's teaching new pilots.
I always liken it to baking a cake.....learn how to make your basic pound cake first. Once you get good at that---by using different ovens, different brands of flour, etc, then and only then can you start to add things like chocolate flavor and frosting.
Flight school is akin to a basic baking school----you should be taught the basics so that you can go into the world and develop your own personal style of flying.