This nails my dislike of the phrase "never means." It never means that "it doesn't ever mean" and always means "nobody ever told me what it can mean" or worse "i've never looked for any other meanings."

"Best Practice" is a term of art within business and technology. It's a synonym for "conventional wisdom," and/or "common sense," which, as the man once said, is not necessarily common. That doesn't render it meaningless, though. Best Practices are not information handed down from God, so as best practices hold, it should not be relied upon as perfect.

Sometimes, when the difference between "best way" and "standard way of doing things" is not so great -- it is better to go with standard practice. Reduces time to learn for others, and avoids surprises when interacting with other systems (POLA).

"Sometimes, when the difference between "best way" and "standard way of doing things" is not so great -- it is better to go with standard practice. "

...and thus XML is born.

And sometimes, that's fine. But call it what it is.