While I usually want to hear the various disagreements on techniques, it also usually disturbs me that many posters seem to feel their way of doing things is right . . . and, of course, it is - for them. We all have our own ways of doing things that yield results for us that meet our needs and standards. Sanding is a troubling process, especially for turned objects. I think this is true mainly because of the great possibility of tear out. This isn't surprising because there are a number of reasons tearout occurs, including the tools used during turning, sharpness of the tools used, technique used, skills used in employing the various techniques, whether the wood is wet or dry, species of wood used, and others I didn't mention and maybe haven't even thought of.
Therefore, sanding is many times used to remedy tearout, when it isn't a really great solution, especially for significant tearout. Don't ask how I've found that out but, suffice to say, I've had my share as I've learned about turning. So, my goal has been to eliminate tearout through sharpening and employment of techniques that keep tearout to a minimum. I'm not always successful and then, in the end, if I'm not satisfied with the end result, I either put the piece back on the lathe and re-turn till I'm satisfied or run out of wood or sand it until I'm either satisfied or just can't do anymore.
So I think we all have our ways and tools used to get a result that is satisfactory to each of us, depending on our skill level, the woods we use, and our sharpening capabilities (plus how patient we are).
I don't see anyone as completely right or wrong, just as a resource to provide me with possible techniques and information that might help me in the future.