Yeah, I missed the link. That's a long read, but I got through most of it. Bottom line is that unless you take directly from the reef you won't get the "full effect" potential from the 'live' rock. And since most rock is shipped in damp conditions, and not totally 'submerged' and require 'curing' we have to assume that most of us don't ever get that full effect due to the die off.

Since the hobby is still functioning well in light of these conditions we are good to go with 'cured' or aquacultured rock... right?

I've heard of 'old tank syndrome' from Ping a few years ago, and have heard it a couple times in passing. This is, in effect, what the writer of the article is indirectly alluding to, correct? He may have stated it outright, but I couldn't afford the time to give it more than a quick read.