With regards to double standards, please remember there are many ways of running a successful reef tank, the advice that is given is generally given for a newbe to the hobby. there is a formula that works, and is fairly fail safe. This is until you generally get to grips with the hobby and understand the ins and outs. People generally then work out their own systems and what works for them.
Would i ever recommend running a skimmerless tank to a newbe, no. Would i ever recommend a 24hr cycle on a tank to a newbe, no. Would i ever recommend running the Zeovit method to a newbe, no. Would i ever recommend a nenny for a newbe in a new tank, no. Would i ever recommend the keeping of SPS to a newbe, no. Now this is not to say that none of the above cant be done.