Mixerman,
I think if you read the last paragraph you quoted from Ross again, you might see that you are both on the same page. I agree about making those decisions early, hell, sometimes I start with the 2buss comp, there are times that, if used properly that's all you need. OTOH (like Ross was saying) if you are inexperienced and unsure, it MIGHT be a good idea to not fuck things up at the 2 buss.
Your arguement that mixing is an attitude makes sense and we've all made our fair share of mistakes getting to the level we are currently at. I take chances, get bit on the ass quite frequently. You've only heard one of my mixes "Blatchford" and it was louder than a cow pissing on a flat rock in Arizona. That method is not the normal lay of the land in my shop although Brad may state otherwise.