I like experience blogs much more as well that how-to blogs. Hiking isn't something where you just read a how-to and can do it. Instead it's something you learn as you are doing it.

In my opinion there are to many MUSTs in the blog post. There are always exceptions to everything and not allowing for flexibility can cause dire consequences sometimes as well. That's why how-tos stink and why your experiences, other people experiences, and discussions about them are so valuable. Which also means to digest all that information in your brain and adapt it to your situation.

I also don't see anything wrong with someone starting off with solo hiking. The key is to gradually advance and not to do a huge and difficult hike right away.