In the article, a linked study of some IT folks doing complex infrastructure tasks and set up benefited from face to face interaction as compared to collaborating over email. Complex tasks does not mean pushing the needle on human advancement in science. Those in the study did not try to invent tcp/ip. They were just working on complex tasks.

Remote vs face to face debate is about the interplay of folks trying to earn a living, providing value to an organization, living life, and companies making profits. In this regard, it looks like a balance of remote to face to face could increase productivity, happiness, and ability to work on complex tasks.