Well, telling someone they can't do anything until they can bench and squat and deadlift is a little like telling your kids they can't play with their christmas toys until they walk the dog and put away clean clothes and empty the dishwasher.

Lighten the F*CK UP! Seriously, everyone can start making some of the fine adjustments so long as they have an appreciation for the need to improve overall body strength. In a lot of ways, these ideals about what you can undertake before having a set of lifts that would make you stronger than 95% of all normal gym-goers is counter productive. If you want that big bench you are going to have to put some time into your triceps. We aren't talking endless sets to pump up, but some quality strength development. If you want a good squat, you would be smart to concentrate on some of the finer points of your legs to address lagging form or strength.

I understand the intent of the idea, I really do. Just have always felt there is a better way to get the message out.