I'm like you Nome only it wasn't "they" saying those things, it was me! Questioning myself for breaking every one of those rules. I would still parrot those ideas if someone asked me I suspect, its not bad advice.
I'm reminded of what General Lee supposedly once said. (paraphrased) "You have to know when to use all your troops, as holding back to conserve would not succeed and all are needed to win, in spite of no likelihood of replenishment, or reserves. And others will call you rash and unwise. And you must know when it IS rash and unwise."