Two Sets of Rules, the Good and Bad?

[MaxWilson]

1) They say DMs should be able to use the PHB when creating encounters.
2) They suspect there is almost always a "better / easier" way.

This does not sound like either extreme. It shows a strong preference for one method and says both methods should be available to the DM.

I don't see a distinction between that perspective and "arguing that a DM should never use PHB rules for NPCs". What difference do you see?