So you found the answer you wanted and accepted that as truth? You believed "one guy" over "lots of people" because he sounded like he knew what he was talking about more than all the other expert advice you found.
That's kind of the trap people fall into when doing internet searches, not quite open minded as they should be, also going to sites that already lean toward their views. My thinking would be of course an Air Force base in Alaska would keep everything plugged in to be work ready, and if it causes premature ware so what, buy more, it's in the budget. lol
Anyway.. no I don't believe everything I read, even from the experts, because I believe much of the advise is self serving or simple opinion.
PS... As a self appointed expert(wink,wink) because I've had/have diesel equipment for many years the only time I use a block heater is if the equipment is sitting outside all night in the cold and I need to use it the next morning. So truck parked in the outside elements overnight, use the block heater. Truck parked in the garage for a week at a time unused, I probably wouldn't leave the heater on, but in truth I don't believe running it it would hurt anything, it's not like it gets very hot. Also shouldn't be a ridiculously expensive or hard item to replace when it does ware out. I say shouldn't be, but we've all been surprised by the cost of items at times.