Question 002: Pattern usefulness

I was just reading some things on your site about patterns and their benefits. However, I have read elsewhere about why they are not only not beneficial but somewhat detrimental. It was an article from a Brazilian jiu-jitsu group called Straight Blast Gym Intl., the link to the article is http://www.straightblastgym.com/street03.htm. I've just been contemplating some of the things I used to do back in my Shotokan days, namely forms, and if I would be where I am if I stayed. I'd just like to know what you would say in response to what that person says, about them being counter-productive, suggested training methods, and so on (the argument seems pretty substantial...).