I still follow St. Colin's advice and avoid the too-small stuff sack, to the point that I stuff my down bag into the bottom of the pack, without a stuff sack (unless I'm knowingly headed into heavy rain, then I use a big silnylon non-compression sack.) I've found that, using the other gear, I can then compress the bag as much as I need to (or let it fluff up to maintain the volume/height/center of gravity where I want it.)

I briefly used a compression sack when I (also briefly) used a synthetic bag - it was the only way to keep it small enough to lash onto my Camp Trails Adjustable II pack - ah, the good (?) old days!

I've read all 4 of the Complete Walker series, like you starting over 20 years ago, and I've found that virtually all of his technique is just as valid now as it was then. Gear has changed a lot, but basic methods haven't.