I thought that was a an unfair comparison. One is a small piece of trivial knowledge, the other is a huge amorphous amount of voodoo and experience. But I agree that practical knowledge trumps theory.
I think that our "grow up" attitude might contribute to more to the exclusion. What I mean is, saying "you need to change" isn't the best way to bring excluded people in. Even if we are right.
I really like this advice. It reminds me of sculpting. Should you start with a block and remove what isn't needed? Or is it better to start with nothing, and slowly build up?