While I'm quite skeptical that Harini here worked for Google, I agree with everything that s/he says except for Truth # 1. Everything that s/he said is according to the Google Webmaster Central. The only reason why I didn't agree with "Truth # 1" is because Google stated that no one can guarantee the rank of a website, but doing what Harini said can certainly improve the SERP rank. He emphasis on content as oppose to link is based on the ideal scenario that Google wants to happen. You create quality content and back links should come naturally. Link building has been given so much emphasis on SEO circle and is the main reason why those blog and forum spammers continue to grow in numbers and sophistication.
I agree with you. I am not sure #links matter for ranks, as you know well plenty of sites really doing well in Google search and has little links. It's true that Google will judge how important is your site around new by the way of #links. But it does't not mean #links wii take you #1, Google has numerous fool proof methods to rank the result which goes beyond the SEO techniques.