I don't understand, the pod goes into the same spot as the powder though? It shouldn't matter if its wrapped in a little membrane since a the end of the day you are putting in the same amount of powder into the same spot. The cascade pods at least are just powder aliquoted out for you.

Look at where your powder goes, there is typically a second tray for pre-wash.

Modern ones just have one tray that says put the pod here

I’m skeptical this is universally true since my dishwasher actually suggests to use pods.

Not saying this is the case as I don't know what dishwasher you have, but one of the points of the video is that this recommendation is often part of a marketing deal and as such shouldn't be trusted. I think it'd say in small print in the manual if this is the case.